Children and young people seeking asylum and refugees (CYPSAR) are a vulnerable population with complex physical and mental health needs. In the UK, significant variation in healthcare delivery for CYPSAR leads to disparities in access and quality of care. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, ratified by the UK, affirms every child's right to health without discrimination. Healthcare professionals, as duty bearers, are obligated to uphold these rights.
ICHG has developed consensus standards to guide optimal healthcare delivery for CYPSAR. These standards, grounded in a rights-based approach, aim to reduce variation in care and complement existing RCPCH guidance for refugee and asylum-seeking children.
The standards outline essential benchmarks for healthcare provider organizations, with recommendations categorized as 'essential' (minimum requirements for all services) and 'aspirational' (best practices for specialist or tertiary services). To support implementation, workplaces should designate a local 'inclusion health champion.'
These standards serve as a tool for advocacy and improvement, supporting discussions between healthcare providers, planners, and commissioners to ensure high-quality care for CYPSAR. They are informed by feedback from CYPSAR with lived experience and peer review from relevant professionals, with updates anticipated as research and evaluation progress.
Three documents detail the standards for different healthcare settings: emergency departments, inpatient services, and outpatient care.
Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
Reduce inequality within and among countries
Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels
