Young Refugees and Asylum Seekers

Book excerpt: There are many misconceptions about young refugees and asylum seekers in Britain. Declan Henry dispels the myths and gives a compassionate and empathetic view of the daily struggles they face including discrimination, racism and poverty. This book explores the reasons why they came to the UK and the safeguarding issues involved, the services they receive and the gaps and inequalities in the system as a whole. The injustice of long Home Office delays in the processing of applications and appeal processes are outlined and, as it is becoming more difficult for many young people to get Leave to Remain, the impact on their lives in terms of accommodation, education and planning for the future are explored. The author also looks at the emotional and mental health needs of young people including those with undiagnosed learning needs and difficulties. Ultimately, the book paints a graphic picture of what life is like in Britain for young people – cut off from their country of their origin and families – and how they are expected to make a new life in Britain with limited resources. There are works of non-fiction that are not only timely but also extremely important. Young Refugees And Asylum Seekers by author Declan Henry is one of them. The refugee crisis, and the plight of children and young adults, is brought into sharp focus in this powerful, challenging and well-written book. With precision, this author highlights both the lack of resources and unfair treatment of those who enter a new country without a caregiver as well as the monumental efforts of good people who work within a challenging system to exact change while practicing kindness. The importance of seeing children as children first is at the core of this valuable book. And we are reminded that the way we treat the most vulnerable is a testament to who we are, fundamentally, as human beings and a society. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to better understand the refugee crisis and to those in search of an opportunity to make a difference. Nancy Richardson Fischer, author of When Elephants Fly, The Speed of Falling Objects