Fears for the future of EU children in care system

BREXIT: Some youngsters may lose access to support, committee learns

European pupils who have been taken into care could lose vital support after Brexit, councillors in Dundee have been warned.

Dundee City Council’s children and families services committee was told this week that some European children may lose access to vital support or funds once the UK leaves the EU.

The Conservatives’ victory in Thursday’s general election now makes Brexit a certainty.

But there are fears some of the most vulnerable children in the country could suffer as a result of the UK’S withdrawal from the EU.

Dundee City Council Children and Families Service Improvement Plan 2019-2022 warns about future developments, including Brexit, that may impact the wellbeing of children.

It states: “Going forwards, we know that change is constant and we are committed to responding to and exploring future developments, requirements, challenges and opportunities.”

It adds Brexit could have implications for the access of some young people and families to “available support”.

Asked by Broughty Ferry Liberal Democrat councillor Craig Duncan to explain further, children and families services executive director Paul Clancy said: “When you have got children in care who are from Europe we have to make sure they are registered in this country.

“We are working with Angus and Perth and Kinross councils to identify any children at risk.”

Glyn Lloyd, acting head of service for children’s and community justice services, said: “Following Brexit some people may not have recourse to public funds. If that is the case there may be more demand for our services.”

According to Scottish Government information, EU citizens living in Scotland post-brexit “should” still have access to benefits and pensions as normal.

But those residents who receive benefits of pensions from a non-uk authority should contact that country’s relevant benefits system for clarification.

According to the Children’s Legal Centre there are around 900,000 EU national children who will have to prove they have a right to remain in the UK to avoid becoming “undocumented” after any Brexit transition period ends.