Description and evaluation of a pathway for unaccompanied asylum-seeking children.

OBJECTIVE: (1) To describe a novel integrated pathway for unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC).(2) To evaluate a population engaged with this service.
DESIGN: Description of the integrated pathway (objective 1) and retrospective evaluation, using data from community paediatrics, infectious diseases (IDs) screening and a sexual health (SH) service (objective 2).
SETTING: Unlinked data were collected from three services across three National Health Service (NHS) trusts in London. PATIENTS: All Camden UASC engaged with the service from 01 January 2016 to 30 March 2019.
INTERVENTIONS: A multidisciplinary approach prioritising the health needs of UASC including a childre and adolescent mental health service (CAMHS) clinican and a health improvement practitioner. There are low thresholds for onward referral and universal asymptomatic screening of UASC for ID. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Data on demographics, unmet health needs and known outcomes.
RESULTS: Data were available for 101 UASC, 16% female, median age 16 years (range 14-17). Physical assault/abuse was reported in 67% and 13% disclosed sexual assault/abuse, including 38% of female UASC. Mental health symptoms were documented in 77%. IDs warranting treatment were identified in 41% including latent tuberculosis (25%) and schistosomiasis (13%). Interpreters were required for 97% and initial non-attendance rates at follow-up were 40% (ID) and 49% (SH).
CONCLUSIONS: These data demonstrate high rates of historical physical and sexual assault/abuse, unmet physical, mental and emotional health needs among UASC and significant barriers to engaging with services. An integrated pathway has been successfully implemented and shown to deliver appropriate, joined-up care for UASC, consistent with current recommendations, with the potential to improve outcomes. © Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2022. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.