1

The role of local services in tackling child poverty amongst asylum seekers and refugees. WrittEn out of the picture? 3

foreword C sontent

We greatly welcome this opportunity to work allowed to work to support ourselves and family, with the North East Child Poverty Commission. and being made dependent on support set lower 1 Introduction P.4 As with all parents, the safety, health, well-being than needed to meet essential living needs. As and happiness of our children, and their future members of the national Still Human Still Here Background P.6 opportunities to achieve and contribute are coalition, we therefore urge the region’s MPs to 2 paramount concerns. This report is an attempt sign up to Early Day Motion No.1019 on Asylum to highlight how the particular circumstances of Support Rates1 and the Declaration2 restoring 3 Context P.10 being an ‘asylum seeker’ and refugee impact on permission to work. our ability to secure this for our children. However, we also know so much can be achieved 4 Child Poverty, Asylum Seekers & Refugees P.12 The Regional Refugee Forum North East was at the level of local services. These frame our The Picture in the North East created ten years ago, uniting the region’s diverse everyday lives, as local residents. How they are refugee and asylum seeker led community planned, commissioned, delivered and evaluated Local Authority Approaches P.18 groups to create an independent, collective has a direct impact on our lives and those of our 5 Education advocate voice to inform policy and practice. children. Many of us come from countries without Worklessness Much of the evidence presented in this report is routes for the local community to sit down and Early Intervention the authentic voiced experience of our members, discuss policy and service planning with public Maximising Household Income collated from projects we’ve been involved agencies. But through the Refugee Forum we’ve Health & Well-being in over the years. While it serves to highlight learned how valuable ‘engagement’ with local Neighbourhoods the specific and additional issues faced by the services is. We’ve learned the value of ‘grass roots’ community, the report makes clear the need for evidence about specific issues, what isn’t working, a focused, bigger, richer picture informed by the and what would work better. And the importance 6 Conclusions P.30 experiences, perspectives and expertise of the of providing a richer, more complex understanding great range of agencies, from all sectors, who of who asylum seekers really are by challenging Recommendations P.34 play a role in supporting and delivering services the ‘single story’ from which a ‘culture of disbelief’ 7 to our communities. stems. Our 43 active member groups are committed and motivated partners in this work. Acknowledgements P.36 Two strands of national asylum policy dominate 8 our lives whilst we wait to know if sanctuary will Mustafa Othman be granted to us and carry a legacy for those References P.37 Chair of the Board of Trustees, 9 eventually granted leave to remain: not being Regional Refugee Forum North East

www.refugeevoices.org.uk

1 www.parliament.uk 2 www.38degrees.org.uk WrittEn out of the picture? 5

. I ntroduction

This report explores the role of local services Throughout the report, use is made of evidence Therefore, the report uses research relating to in tackling child poverty amongst refugees and that relates to ethnicity, race and migration. poverty and ethnicity and migration where similar asylum seekers. It also makes recommendations Whilst there is obvious overlap between some evidence relating to asylum seekers and refugees for future policy and practice in this area and of these issues, it is important to be clear from is not readily available. The report also seeks to draws on existing research evidence where the outset that they are not the same as each include the voices of refugees and asylum seekers

ON E possible. A key concern in the development of other and the experience of refugees and asylum wherever possible, agreeing with the sentiment the report has been to highlight the resources seekers living in poverty is likely to be different that there has been a lot of talk about these that exist in the North East to improve our from that of other migrants in many ways. groups, but not much talk with them. understanding of the specific and additional Someone who has chosen to come to this country barriers that refugees face in trying to escape as an economic migrant or as an overseas poverty and improve their lives. The report is student, for example, will have experienced very aimed at a North East audience but we hope that different administrative and welfare related our findings – and our recommendations – will (housing, education, health, employment) have resonance outside of the region as well as encounters than someone fleeing their country of within it. origin and seeking asylum in the UK. Similarly, the experience of the ethnic minority communities Despite there being a good body of evidence living in established and settled communities relating to the interactions between poverty, is likely to be very different from new arrivals ethnicity and migration and an acknowledgement from countries without strong historical links to that the support offered to asylum seekers in specific local areas within the UK. the UK effectively ‘traps’ them in poverty, the role of local services in tackling poverty amongst The issue of ‘intersectionality’ is both helpful and refugees and asylum seekers and the issue of important here. Many factors affect people’s poverty amongst individuals once they have been experience of poverty and their ability to cope granted leave to remain has not received similar with it and/or escape it. Some of these factors, attention from researchers or policy makers. such as good quality housing, good health, strong No local authorities in the North East identified social networks or good language skills are likely poverty amongst refugees or asylum seekers as to ‘intersect’ and help ameliorate some of the an issue that required addressing in their local effects of poverty. However, it is likely that many child poverty strategies. This report is an attempt of the specific and additional barriers faced by to draw attention to this gap in the evidence refugees, when they intersect with each other, are base and it aims to highlight areas where future likely to compound their experience of poverty, investigation could take place. rather than ameliorate it. WrittEn out of the picture? 7

. Background

There has been a strong policy focus on tackling In 2007, while he was still Prime Minister, the in the Act but the Secretary of State is required child poverty in the UK for over a decade. government introduced a Public Service Agreement to ensure that the criteria is ‘to have as wide an Unfortunately, during that time, little central or local (PSA) Delivery Agreement to ‘halve the number application as is reasonably practicable, having

w o government attention has been paid to poverty of children living in poverty by 2010-11’. However, regard to the statistical surveys that are being or amongst refugees and asylum seekers, with some a footnote on page 3 states that the agreement can reasonably be expected to be undertaken’. targets and measures appearing to ‘miss out’ ‘does not specifically cover the children of asylum During the scrutiny process of the Bill, the Joint

5 t asylum seeking children. seekers’ . Local child poverty statistics, published Committee on Human Rights (JCHR) was concerned by HMRC6, are based on the numbers of children about the potential for ‘differential treatment’ of In 1999, Tony Blair set out a ‘historic aim’ to end in families whose income is below the 60% median children not in qualifying households: child poverty, stating that it would take a generation income threshold and where these families are ‘in to achieve this goal3. During the speech, he noted receipt of out-of-work (means-tested) benefits, or in The Government accepts that there could be indirect discrimination because for that poor children were ‘more likely to be from an receipt of tax credits’, excluding asylum seekers. some groups, such as Gypsy, Roma and Traveller children, and asylum seeking ethnic minority family’ and whilst the speech had children, the likelihood of their being excluded is higher than for some other groups. a strong focus on social justice and how the UK In July 2009, the Child Poverty Bill was introduced The Government also accepts that the groups which have a lower chance of being had changed since the Beveridge Report of 1942, to Parliament and it received Royal Assent on 25th captured by a survey include some groups which are already disadvantaged. there was no other mention of ‘race’, ethnicity , March 2010, becoming the Child Poverty Act (2010). diversity, migration or asylum, despite research The Act ‘sets targets relating to the eradication of The beneficiaries of the duty to meet the income targets will apparently only be showing a strong association between poverty and child poverty’ but the 4 targets include reference children in qualifying households. The legislation is therefore, on its face, designed membership of certain minority groups4. to children living in ‘qualifying households’7. The to require policy-making to prioritise such children over others, including Roma definition of a ‘qualifying household’ is not provided children, children in children’s home and asylum seeking children.8

3 Beveridge Lecture 7 Child Poverty Act 4 `For example, Platt, J. 8 Joint Committee 5 PSA Delivery Agreement on Human Rights 6 HM Revenue & Customs WrittEn out of the picture? 9

Part 2 of the Child Poverty Act requires local In April 2011, the Coalition government published authorities to “prepare and publish an assessment the first ever UK central government child of the needs of children living in poverty in its area11 poverty strategy: ‘A New Approach to Child (a ‘local child poverty needs assessment’)” and to Poverty: Tackling the Causes of Disadvantage ‘prepare a joint child poverty strategy in relation and Transforming Families’ Lives.14 The strategy to its area’ . Non-statutory guidance was issued in notes that ‘Children from black and minority support of these local duties and local authorities ethnic families are almost twice as likely to live in were free to develop these documents as they saw relative poverty as children from white families’15 fit. Asylum seekers and refugees are identified and the barriers affecting children from these as an ‘at risk group’ in a Building Block Guides families are highlighted on a number of other document that formed part of a Child Poverty pages. However, the only mention of the specific Needs Assessment Toolkit, produced as part of the barriers or challenges faced by refugees can be guidance. The current ‘Core Offer of Support’ from found on p.18 where it is noted that ‘Language the Child Poverty Unit for local areas does not barriers or low/unrecognised qualifications can mention refugees or asylum seekers.12 make finding work difficult for refugees’. The children of asylum seekers or unaccompanied The JCHR suggested that Article 14 of the European A number of ‘partner authorities’ are referred children seeking asylum are not mentioned Convention on Human Rights9, covering the to in Part 2 of the Act, including local police anywhere in the strategy. enjoyment of rights without discrimination, applied forces, Primary Care Trusts, Youth Offending to the legislation and went on to note that: Teams and Integrated Transport Authorities. The Given the absence of refugee and asylum seeking Immigration Law Practitioners’ Association (ILPA) children as an issue of concern in relation to the …there is differential treatment of children not living in qualifying households, that was ‘discouraged’ that the UK Border Agency eradication of child poverty at a national level16, differential treatment calls for justification, and the onus is on the Government to was not included in this list and suggested that it is not surprising that local authorities and their show that there are no other measurable targets for the groups currently excluded because “by reason of its policies and operations, partners, in discharging their local duties, have from the targets because of the way those targets are defined. In our view that (it) clearly affects the socio-economic experiences similarly not explicitly addressed the issue. It is, onus is all the heavier because the excluded groups include some of those children of children within the meaning of ‘child poverty’”13 one might conclude, difficult to disagree with the who are particularly poor. We do not consider the Government to have discharged it should be included in the list of agencies. ILPA submission to a JCHR enquiry into children’s the heavy onus of justification by relying solely on the cost and impracticality of rights that ‘The poverty of certain children under surveying children who do not live in qualifying households. We therefore conclude immigration control is not being eradicated, it is that it is highly likely that, as presently drafted, the Bill will give rise to a serious being written out of the picture’.17 risk of future breaches of Article 14… because policy-makers will prioritise raising

the income of children only in qualifying households, in a discriminatory way.10 9 European Convention on Human Rights 10 Joint Committee on Human Rights 11 Child Poverty Act 12 Child Poverty Unit 13 Child Poverty Bill 14 Department for Education 15 Ibid 16 Pinter, I. 17 Joint Committee on Human Rights WrittEn out of the picture? 11

. C tontex

Asylum seekers are not allowed to work whilst Some mothers with children are entitled to The same researchers also highlighted the role

ee their claims are being determined. The vast additional payments. A baby under the age of 12 of the media in ‘setting agendas’ and bolstering majority must depend therefore on Section 95 months receives an extra £5 a week. Pregnant an ‘us’ and ‘them’ divide. They highlight work support, which is a lower rate of support than women and children of one to three years receive carried out which, in an analysis of news coverage for UK citizens who are also unable to work. The an extra £3 a week19. The vast majority of asylum concerning asylum issues, identified over: majority of asylum seekers have to pay for food, seekers are not entitled to child benefit. 13,000 occurrences of the word ‘illegal’ as opposed to 7,000 ‘legal’, and 3,800 clothing, toiletries and other essential items on To use other benefits as a comparison, single ‘bogus’ as opposed to 270 ‘genuine’, with mentions of warfare, exile, torture and just over £5 a day (housing and utility bills are asylum seeking adults over 25 get 52% of conflict outweighed by attention to system abuses, loopholes and deception. paid for separately). Income Support, a lone parent 50% and a couple The current weekly rates of support for asylum 65%.20 In 2009, Still Human Still Here argued Leitner & Ehrkamp23 have argued that there should seekers are18: thr that 70% of Income Support is the absolute be less talk about and more talk with migrants •Qualifying couple (married or civil minimum required to meet essential living which highlights not only a challenge for local partnership): £72.52 needs.21 Support rates are even lower for refused service providers but also the importance of

•Lone parent, aged 18 or over: £43.94 asylum seekers who have been found eligible for independent support for refugees and asylum section 4 support, which is a non-cash payment seekers to advocate on their behalf and enable •Single person, aged 18 or over redeemable only at prescribed retailers. them to participate in decisions in their lives.24 (excluding lone parent): £36.62

•Young Person, aged 16–18 (except if The treatment of asylum seekers within the UK, half of a qualifying couple): £39.80 from both institutions and individuals has led O’Neill and Hubbard to suggest they represent a •Person aged under 16: £52.96 ‘new underclass: the minority within a minority’;

Those who are forced to live on the ‘margins of the margins’ while they are waiting for their cases to be processed. Cut off from the world of work, and often denied decent housing, adequate medical provision or cultural services, many drift into a state of destitution, rely on charity hand-outs or are forced into an underground economy.22

18 www.parliament.uk 22 O’Neill, M. & Hubbard, P. 19 Ibid 23 Leitner, H. & Ehrkamp, P. 20 Children’s Society 24 See also Craig, G., O’Neill, 21 Home Affairs Select M., Cole, B., Antonopoulos, Committee G.A., Devanney, C & Adamson, S. WrittEn out of the picture? 13

. C vhild Po erty, Asylum Seekers & Refugees

There is a gap in the evidence base in relation to documented concerns about the poor levels of Policies intended to ‘deter’ people from seeking the role of local services in tackling child poverty support that asylum seekers receive27, the impact asylum in the UK and those that create destitution amongst asylum seekers and refugees. There is of withdrawal, in 2002, of permission to work for amongst refused asylum-seekers have also come also a wider gap in relation to the experience of asylum seekers whilst awaiting a final decision on under close scrutiny from a range of individuals refugees in relation to poverty and the barriers their case28, and a number of reports exploring and organisations.31 In 2007, the JCHR stated: that individuals face once they have been granted the issue of destitution among refused asylum leave to remain in the UK.25 seekers in the UK29. In January 2013, the report of We have been persuaded by the evidence that the government has indeed been four a Parliamentary Inquiry into Asylum Support for practicing a deliberate policy of destitution of this highly vulnerable group. We A considerable body of evidence exists that 32 Children and Young People specifically raised the believe that all deliberate use of inhumane treatment is unacceptable. highlights the links and intersections between

26 issue of child poverty amongst asylum seekers. poverty, race, ethnicity and migration , well The Joseph Rowntree Foundation operates a However, as noted earlier, there is less research The Executive Summary of the report notes: large programme of research exploring the links which has explored the experiences of poverty We believe that successive governments have failed children by delivering an asylum between poverty and ethnicity.33 Much of this amongst families once they have been granted support system that keeps children in poverty, leads to dependency on the state work stresses the ‘difference within diversity’ leave to remain and much research in this area and denies asylum-seeking families the resources they need to meet their needs.30 amongst ethnic minority groups as well as has focused on national immigration policy. A the issue of ‘intersectionality’ – how different report by researchers at Glasgow Caledonian aspects of people’s lives interact with each other University in 2010 suggests that, in comparison to either alleviate or compound disadvantage. with asylum-seekers, ‘the experiences of Similarly, the Child Poverty Action Group has those who have leave to remain have received produced a number of resources supporting a considerably less attention’. greater understanding of the issue of migration in relation to poverty.34 They go on to say:

The ‘invisibility’ of refugees in administrative data collection systems arises in part because attainment of refugee status brings with it the status of ‘ordinary resident’. This means that individuals are not obliged to declare their refugee status.35

In 2010, the Home Office published findings from the Survey of New Refugees in the UK36 which highlights a number of employment, housing and health-related issues, amongst others, which could combine to keep refugees in or at risk of poverty.

25 Lindsay, K., Gillespie, M. 29 For example, JRCT (2007) 33 JRF & Dobbie, L. Commissioners Report 34 CPAG 26 30 For example, O’Neill, M. Children’s Society 35 Lindsay, K., Gillespie, M. 27 For example, 31 For example, & Dobbie, L. ‘I don’t feel human’ ‘Still Human Still Here’ 36 Cebulla, A., DanieL, M. 28 ‘Still Human Still Here’ 32 Joint Committee on & Zurawan, A. Human Rights WrittEn out of the picture? 15

The picture in the North East in the region. However it is commonly accepted However, a number of research and policy related with many reporting anxiety and depression. that this number amounts to several thousand, projects involving refugees and asylum seekers Other findings of this research included many Recent research has helped to build an with 15,000 having been used as a best estimate. –and members of ethnic minority communities of the women having limited access to their understanding of the region’s ethnic minority The latest regional statistics from the UK Border more widely – have taken place in the North East household income and the need to send money populations and communities and, in some Agency, at 31st March 2013, showed a total of and provide us with some understanding of many to extended family, either abroad or at home. A cases, their experiences of poverty. Considerable 904 asylum cases were accommodated in the of the specific issues faced by individuals and number of barriers to paid work were highlighted work has also been carried out by organisations region supported under Section 95, 474 of which families within different communities. such as a perceived lack of culturally sensitive supporting, working with and giving voice to were families. Of the 2,064 people represented childcare and the lack of available jobs. The Regional Refugee Forum has developed and refugees and asylum seekers, often on issues by these cases, 887 were aged under 18 years of participated in a number of projects exploring Building on and developing this work, the Black which are closely linked with poverty. However, age. Of the 233 cases supported under section 4, and articulating the lives of asylum seekers and Minority Ethnic Community Organisations there is, it would appear, little available research 38 were families, with 53 children aged under 18.39 and refugees in the region. Their projects have Network (BECON) set out to ‘understand how highlighting the role of local services in tackling A report by the Social Policy Research Unit at the included: a ‘Let Us Work’ campaign to allow local authorities in the region address issues of child poverty experienced by ethnic minority University of York in 200940 highlighted that the asylum seekers to work42; a ‘Skilled’ project43 which child and maternal poverty in BME communities’. communities, migrants and/or, more specifically, risk of poverty in the North East was considerably raises awareness of the specific barriers refugees A report based on this work highlighted a refugees and asylum seekers. higher for all non-White classifications (with the face in transferring the skills, qualifications ‘paucity of data on BME communities’ in relation The latest ONS estimates suggests that the ‘non- exception of ‘mixed’) than it was for the White and experience they bring with them and the to local authorities’ work on child poverty and white’ population of the North East stands at population, although this was based on a very unrealised value this could have for the region; recommended support that ‘will enable the BME 5.3%37, although this masks great variation both small number of cases using 2006/07 HBAI data. a ‘Women’s Lives, well-being and community voluntary and community organisations to be able within and between different local authority Since the publication of this report, there has project in conjunction with Durham University44 to participate both in the shaping of public services areas. Professor Gary Craig, of Durham not been any other research produced which and a Youth Voice project campaigning for access and their delivery’.47 University, has noted that the largest rise is highlights the prevalence of poverty amongst to higher education for asylum seekers leaving More recent work by academics and researchers amongst Black Africans where the numbers have the region’s ethnic minority populations. Local school or college45. Some of the findings from from across the region exploring issues around nearly tripled since 2001 and suggests that this authority Child Poverty Needs Assessments did these projects, which were developed with and by ‘race’, crime and justice in the North East found likely to be the result of ten out of the twelve not highlight ethnic minority groups or migrants, refugees and asylum seekers, will be explored in that, ‘the key issue identified by BME people is local authorities in the region having hosted refugees or asylum seekers in any great detail and more detail in Section 6. the continuing experience of racism, at individual dispersal areas for asylum seekers from 2000.38 none of the Child Poverty Strategies produced to Research by Oxfam, in association with The and institutional levels, within public and private Since the policy of dispersing those awaiting date have included actions or priorities specifically Angelou Centre in Newcastle, has explored the sectors. The report highlighted how it is ‘absolutely determination of their asylum application began relating to any of these groups. A report by the ‘financial lives of ethnic minority mothers in Tyne essential that… the dimension of ethnicity is carefully nearly 15 years ago, the North East has provided North East Child Poverty Commission exploring and Wear’46 and found that ‘levels of material examined by all policy actors in the development accommodation for between 5,000 and 2,000 local authority approaches to tackling child deprivation in the study households were of new policies and in shaping future practice in all asylum seekers at any one time. No records poverty in the North East highlighted this omission generally high, especially for mothers’. This ‘had areas of welfare’. are kept of people once they are granted leave but then did not make any suggestions or both physical and psychological consequences’ to remain nor how many have stayed resident recommendations to address the issue.41

37 Craig, G., O’Neill, M., Cole, 40 Bradshaw, J. 44 O’Neill, M. & Mansaray, S. B., Antonopoulos, G.A., 41 Crossley, S. 45 Ibid Devanney, C & Adamson, S 42 Regional Refugee Forum 46 Warburton-Brown, C. 38 Ibid North East 47 Singh, D. 39 UKBA 43 Ibid WrittEn out of the picture? 17

The authors also note that:

It is important to develop policy and practice which recognises the increasing diversity of minorities and the differing histories and needs of, for example, long- standing settled minorities, migrant workers and refugees and those seeking asylum. For some of these groups… some work has been done; for others, a research and policy agenda has hardly begun to be explored.48

The UK Border Agency currently contracts with a sole provider of supported accommodation for asylum seekers in the region. A ‘One Stop Service’ is also centrally funded and delivers independent advice and referral whilst cases are being determined. Both contracts have been subject to cuts along with other public services. In 2011 government ended funding for the national Refugee Integration & Employment Service, leading the CEO of the Refugee Council to remark it “means for the first time in living memory there will be no UK government statutory funding to support refugees to integrated in the UK” . Local Authority ‘move on’ teams were disbanded following the end of the supported accommodation contract with the UK Border Agency in 2011.

48 Craig, G., O’Neill, M., Cole, B., Antonopoulos, G.A., Devanney, C & Adamson, S WrittEn out of the picture? 19

. local authority Approaches

The decision to issue non-statutory guidance to There has been little evidence historically or Education local authorities in support of their local duties in the present that poverty is caused by the under the Child Poverty Act allowed them to people experiencing it. At the same time, there Improving educational attainment and/or ‘raising develop Child Poverty Needs Assessments (CPNAs) is a substantial volume of robust social scientific aspirations’ is often viewed as a route out of and Child Poverty Strategies (CPSs) in different research stretching back decades which highlights poverty and most local authorities highlight work ways across different authorities, often with the structural causes of much of the poverty and to tackle educational disadvantage in their child

fiv e different departments within councils taking the inequality that exists in our society today. poverty-related work. However, research suggests lead. Analysis of the priorities for action that Local that a focus on aspiration is not necessary or Peter Townsend argued that there was an ‘over- Authorities in the North East identified in the CPSs appropriate for many families on low incomes, confident division of the population into ‘we the suggests that they fall into six broad categories: including refugees and asylum seekers. people’ and ‘they the poor’51 in attempts to tackle •Education poverty and this approach has a particularly The Regional Refugee Forum’s Youth Voice group •Worklessness & Employment negative impact on refugees and asylum seekers. has highlighted the aspiration of young asylum •Early Intervention Headlines about ‘bogus’ asylum seekers coupled seekers themselves to enter higher education and •Maximising Household Income with negative images of migrants more generally graduate related employment; •Health & Wellbeing demonstrate that refugees and asylum seekers •Improved Neighbourhoods are perceived as being ‘different’ or ‘othered’52 on I wanted to tailor my degree choice towards a subject that would be vocational, grounds other than, as well as, economic status. and lead to a job. I felt a real pressure to do a subject that had immediate work The ‘Local authorities, local duties and local action’ application. I also looked at subjects where there was a demand for skills, where report produced by the North East Child Poverty The focus of this report now turns to the relevance there was evidence of a shortage of skilled workers in the UK, such as teaching. Commission49 highlighted that, in many of these – or otherwise – of local authority approaches to areas, there was a lack of evidence to support tackling poverty amongst refugees and asylum the dominant media and political focus on the seekers and what the research evidence can tell us perceived behavioural shortcomings of individuals about refugees’ experience of local welfare services. in, or at risk of, poverty. A presentation at the launch of the report used a quote from Peter Townsend to suggest alternative forms of action:

All too easily the social scientist can be the unwitting servant of contemporary social values, and in the study of poverty, this can have disastrous practical consequences. He may side with the dominant or majority view of the poor. If, by contrast, he feels obliged or is encouraged from the start to make a formal distinction between scientific and conventional perspectives, he is more likely to enlarge knowledge by bringing to light information which has been neglected and create more elbow room for alternative forms of action50

49 Crossley, S. 50 Townsend, P. 51 Ibid 52 Lister, R. WrittEn out of the picture? 21

Workl s essnes However, in 2012 there was a backlog of 28,500 However, as a result of their status, they cannot asylum applications and ‘a growing backlog of take up university places offered to them. Similarly, The Coalition government child poverty strategy cases pending an initial decision for more than they are also not allowed to work. The group state, ‘has at its foundation the belief that work, not welfare, 6 months’ amongst the new asylum cases. Only is the best route out of poverty for those who are able 63% of asylum cases are concluded within one Whilst our friends go off to university and move forwards with their lives, we to work’.57 However, denied permission to support year59 and asylum seekers spend an average of find ourselves left waiting, with very limited opportunities to spending our time themselves through work, the vast majority nearly 18 months on Section 95 support.60 productively. We cannot go to university, nor are we allowed to work. We have seen of asylum-seekers have no other option but how young people have grown more disillusioned, more withdrawn, more angry, In 2008 the Refugee Council and TUC launched ‘dependency’ on the state or to work illegally in then more depressed, until they give up aspiring altogether. The situation is also the national ‘Let Us Work’ campaign which made order to avoid destitution. devastating for those young asylum seekers who left school and started university both an economic and human rights case to in their country of origin, but the need to seek sanctuary tore them away.53 The Government justified its withdrawal, in 2002, restore permission to work. The Regional Refugee of the concession that allowed asylum-seekers to Forum led the campaign actions in the North East Therefore, focusing on ‘realising’ as opposed young asylum seekers and refugees, highlighting work after they had been waiting six months for region, in alliance with the Churches’ Regional to ‘raising’ aspirations is more appropriate. the important role of advisors and professionals a decision on the basis that most decisions were Commission and Northern TUC. Testimonies61 Universities have discretionary powers to offer working with young people. made in less than six months.58 collected from its membership across the region tuition fee concessions, such as home student The Regional Refugee Forum has noted that highlight both a strong work ethic, a finding rates, for asylum seekers applying for admission, whilst there is a very high motivation amongst echoed elsewhere in the UK, and the impact this and they are also able to provide bursary adult asylum seekers to attend Further Education policy has on people; schemes at their own expense. colleges to obtain UK-recognised qualifications, Young asylum seekers and refugees’ education can their subsequent experience has been that Not being able to work is degrading to me… Its depressing because my also often be affected by poor housing, frequent these did not in fact lead to employment or background is feeding my own family… I have a big duty of care that has been house moves (often at short notice), bullying, SEN provide routes for realising their entrepreneurial stripped away. And not being able to do that for myself, I feel a failure in life. 54 provision and their experience at school cannot ambitions. Those who are genuinely motivated I feel very much a failure in life.62 be helped by the lack of resources available to to use Adult Learning & Skills as a route to their parents (resulting in missed extra-curricular employment often see little or no practical I’ve been living here for 6, almost 7 years, and I am not permitted to work. This activities for example). Parents, who may have results.55 An independent review of vocational policy has a huge negative impact, on both myself and my family. It has caused little orientation in the UK’s education system education by Professor Alison Wolf supports us severe depression. At the moment when my children ask me to provide for themselves, are often unable to provide parental these findings and suggests that the ‘staple them like any other citizen around, I am not able to do what my children ask. guidance others might expect. Therefore, accurate, offer for between a quarter and a third of the As a result, my children feel they are inferior. I am not allowed to work and I sit well-informed and non-judgemental guidance and post-16 cohort is a diet of low-level vocational around. This is affecting all of us.63 careers advice whilst at school is also a significant qualifications, most of which have little to no factor in opening up pathways out of poverty for labour market value’.56

53 Regional Refugee Forum 56 Department of Education 60 House of Lords North East 57 Department of Education 61 Regional Refugee Forum 54 Rutter, J. 58 www.refugeecouncil.org.uk North East 55 62 Regional Refugee Forum 59 House of Commons Home Ibid North East Affairs Committee 63 Ibid WrittEn out of the picture? 23

The Survey of New Refugees in the UK (SNR) of refugees were entitled to holiday pay, only a suggested that around 49% of refugees were third were likely to be offered training and that employed 21 months after a leave to remain ‘the work people were looking for was not always was received. This compares with a UK average commensurate with (their) skills and qualifications’.67 of around 80% at the same time.65 Further Since 2007, under the New Asylum Model, analysis of the SNR for the Nuffield Foundation66 refugees have no longer been granted indefinite suggested, that, in terms of employment: leave to remain, but a period of 5 years, after •Women fared worse than men regardless which it is reviewed. Other forms of leave to of their pre-migration employment or remain can be shorter still. Employers may, education profile. therefore, be reticent to employ and invest in someone who may be forced to leave the country •Refugees were over-qualified for work within a couple of years. A report by the Institute undertaken in the UK, a situation that for Employment Studies exploring the experience barely changed over the SNR period. Research across the UK has evidenced the enforced dependency and inactivity, such of organisations employing refugees also included •Refugees with no social networks long term impact this policy has had on as the outdating of skills and lack of UK concerns around the cost and time needed to were the least likely to be employed. the employment prospects of those who work references; others relate to a lack address documentation issues, language barriers eventually are granted leave to remain and of recognition, or downgrading, of some The Refugee Forums’ Skilled project and other and negative media images of refugees. Five out so have permission to work. Still, refugees face overseas qualifications, a lack of under- research has also shown that refugees are more of the ten case studies included in the report specific and multiple barriers to employment: standing of UK recruitment processes and likely to find employment in temporary, part-time, wished to remain anonymous, with the main some are a legacy of the extended period of helper agency and employer attitudes; low skilled and low wage jobs – exactly the type of reason being ‘fear of receiving hostile media job which is unlikely to offer a sustainable route out coverage’.68 However, this report also stated that I used to work in Iran as an accountant for 7 years. I’ve been in the UK for nearly of poverty. The Refugee Forum’s membership have ‘these employers can point to the benefits of 7 years, and I’m allowed to work here. But I haven’t been able to work as an highlighted that many people fall into destitution recruiting refugees’ and it contained a number accountant in the UK as they require UK work experience… Nobody accepted me after signing onto agencies offering no permanent of recommendations that might encourage other here as an accountant with my experience and all the certificates I have brought or full time employment, no employment contract organisations to adopt a similar approach. from my country. and no commitment of hours, thinking they have to In 2008, the Government itself recognised the When I had to get out of my country I left behind many things, including a accept any offer of work. existence of specific and additional barriers good career managing a major retail store. I waited 7 years before I was finally Research referenced in the government’s child faced by refugees seeking employment or self- granted status and was allowed at last to work to support myself and family. poverty strategy highlighted that terms and employment through its funding of a specialist But the closest I came to using my skills and experience was a backroom job conditions were often poor and that one quarter national case work support service for new unpacking and hanging clothes. of refugees were in temporary employment status refugees, the Refugee Integration and We feel that when we go to the JCP [JobCentre Plus], if we are a refugee, they direct because they were unable to find permanent Employment service. However, funding for this 64 jobs. The research also found that less than half service was cut completely in 2011. us into factory work. But if you are British, they send that person to Debenhams. 64 Regional Refugee Forum North East 65 Cebulla, A., Daniel, M. & Zurawan, A. 66 Cheung, S.Y. & Phillimore, J. 67 Heath and Cheung 68 Hurstfield, J., Pearson, R., Hooker, H., Richie, H. & Sinclair, A. WrittEn out of the picture? 25

Earlyv inter ention Similarly some local authority strategies linked The Regional Refugee Forum, concerned about early intervention with child protection issues fears of ‘social services’ amongst members and There is a strong emphasis on ‘early intervention’ and the concept of ‘families at risk’. reports of feelings of negative assumptions within the governments child poverty strategy towards refugees and asylum seekers amongst The Regional Refugee Forum has argued that a with a chapter devoted to ‘supporting family health and social work staff, have argued for lack of understanding about the experiences and life and children’s life chances’ which argues increased understanding of the complex needs entitlements of asylum seekers and refugees, that ‘what is needed is a much wider culture and issues faced by refugees and asylum seekers coupled with cultural assumptions in health care, change towards recognising the importance of and improvements in ‘cultural competency’ from 69 can have particularly traumatic implications for parenting’. Crossley & Shildrick have argued that, these agencies. Similar concerns have been echoed in adopting this approach, the strategy ‘begins to parents and children. A presentation to a regional by researchers from the region’s universities72 and 71 fall very quickly into the popular, but completely Migrant Health Conference powerfully highlighted at a national level, albeit in response to concerns erroneous, trap of equating child poverty with the ‘personal journey’ of a single mother seeking amongst wider BME communities.73 poor and irresponsible parenting’.70 asylum for herself and her three children:

The level of tension and anxiety I live with on a daily basis is far in excess of an average white British single mother. I survive on food tokens and vouchers, am

not allowed to find work, can’t afford to take the kids to Sure Start care, can M aximising household income However, problems more in keeping with the only access 2.5 hours at a nursery, and so cannot attend classes in the college, A number of local authorities in the North East wider population occur at the ‘Move on’ stage can’t have a break from the kids or feel I want to achieve something in life. I am included priorities around financial inclusion when applicants are finally granted leave to trapped inside, with my thoughts and fears, and the children are screaming in and/or maximising household income in the remain. At this stage, they have only 28 days to the background. I am stressed all day. Signs and symptoms of post-traumatic child poverty documents, and the government move out of their accommodation and sign on stress set in, I can’t sleep, my physical and mental health deteriorates, and strategy highlights the need to ‘support money to mainstream housing and benefits provision. therefore I become withdrawn. I find it hard to relate to health visitors who do not management’. However, the support rates for This process often breaks down, or some front understand my culture or my experience and what I am currently going through. asylum seekers on Section 95 fall well below line staff are not aware of procedures to process The children absorb the sense of my disempowerment and vulnerability, where the government definition of poverty and even claims necessary to access Job Seeker’s Allowance I am trapped by the asylum system –controlled and limited by a system that further below the Minimum Income Standard and Housing benefits. Families have ended determines what I can and cannot do, which leaves me in extreme poverty. And devised by JRF and researchers at Loughborough up in emergency hostels or Bed & Breakfast, at that time I realise what power the health workers have over us. They can University. There is little opportunity to ‘maximise with interruptions to schooling. When living in undermine our role as the parent. How can we trust and put our faith in those household income’ for asylum seekers. Those supported accommodation, utilities are handled agencies that have done this to my children, my community and my sisters. receiving Section 4 support are not even given by the housing provider. After living like this, cash and have to rely on the stigmatising practice people often have no experience of energy How can we admit to health services our health needs, our need for support, of using a plastic pre-payment card or vouchers saving practices or of the complicated UK fuel when it might mean our children are taken away from us and that we are open to purchase ‘essential items’, which are decided by and energy system. These issues, and the desire 69 Department for Education to judgement? So we learn to avoid all contact with agencies as much as possible. 70 the government, at a limited range of shops, which to have a warm home, often combine to send Crossley, S. & Shildrick, T. So people do not seek help for their health needs. They prefer to suffer in silence. 71 Regional Refugee Forum do not include markets and discount stores. people quickly into debt with utilities companies.74 To be left alone in a degree of safety. North East 72 Craig, G., O’Neill, M., Cole, B., Antonopoulos, G.A., Devanney, C. & Adamson, S 73 Social Exclusion Task Force 74 Lindsay, K., Gillespie, M. & Dobbie, L. WrittEn out of the picture? 27

Even when refugees find work, many of them will for sending remittances to support family of whom may not be familiar with the particular problem in recognising medicines, understanding not receive an income sufficient to lift them out of members back in their countries of origin, nutritional ‘value’ of some of these meals. There pharmacist’s directions for taking a medicine, and poverty. The complex system of tax credits and with sometimes as much as £100 per month are concerns amongst refugee groups that the cost of non-prescribed medicines as the most ‘tapers’ and new wide-ranging welfare reforms being sent to families whilst people survived the incidence of obesity and diabetes is rising significant factors. (including the localisation of Council Tax Support in the UK with support from friends.76 amongst their communities. The recent report by Maternity Action and the and elements of the Social Fund) mean that A report produced for Newcastle PCT in 200279 Refugee Council on the dispersal of pregnant people with lots of experience of the UK benefits suggested that 45% of refugees and asylum women asylum seekers ‘shows very clearly that system often struggle to understand it and He alth & Wellbeing seekers identified understanding the health there are groups of women who are receiving claim what they are fully entitled to. There is no The links between poverty and ill-health are system as the main barrier to accessing health care that is way below even minimum expected evidence to suggest that refugees are any better well-known, although there is relatively little services and 60% did not know ways of accessing standards’, and highlights the serious implications at claiming benefits than the wider population, emphasis on health in the governments’ child NHS services beyond a GP. 78% of respondents this has for the child’s healthy development and and plenty of reasons which suggest take-up poverty strategy. However, local authority stated that they had immediate health needs life chances.80 rates may not be as high as other groups. strategies in the North East included a number of on arrival, covering a range of physical and The quality and safety of housing also has an Within the Refugee Forum’s membership there priorities designed to ‘promote healthy living’ and psychological issues. 59% said that they had impact on peoples’ health and well-being. The is also concern around high levels of debt and ‘encourage healthy choices and behaviours’. more problems looking after their own health Report on the Parliamentary Inquiry into Asylum incidence of bankruptcy amongst refugees. here than in countries of origin, citing diet, Many member organisations of the Regional Support for Children and Young people, published Access to mainstream financial services is often Refugee Forum are developing, or would like in January 2013, states: hampered by difficulties providing the right types to develop, projects to promote health and of documentation required by banks. Delays wellbeing as a result of the particular issues For most people the home environment represents the secure foundation and errors in processing benefits claims have facing their communities. There is concern about of their lives. For children, home remains the primary source of emotional meant that many people have turned to doorstep forced inactivity and exposure to foods with support, material security and secure social relationships. However, for lenders to make ends meet over a short period much higher levels of sugar and salt than those children on asylum support, home life represents a number of challenges. of time, with ‘access to credit being just as easy in their countries of origin. Meanwhile fast food We heard how families are living in poorly maintained, overcrowded as fast food’. The ‘Race, Crime & Justice’ report is seen as tempting but understanding of its accommodation which can be damp, dirty, cold and unsafe; infested with carried out in the North East in 2012 also found nutritional value is low. Work carried out in the mice, cockroaches and other pests, rotting floorboards and locked windows. ‘Discriminatory lending and mortgage practices region by Children North East has shown that it The ‘decency standards’ applied in the past to local council provision no amongst banks and building societies for those is often cheaper to buy a pizza than it is to buy longer apply, and ’the Statement of Requirements… places little obligation on wishing to buy houses or start up businesses’.75 strawberries.77 Zoe Williams has argued that providers to ensure high quality and appropriate accommodation.’ Asylum Other issues affecting refugees’ ability to ‘crap food is an economic, not a moral choice’78 seeking families do not have any choice about where they live. Through written maximise their income often include the lack of and communal cooking facilities and utensils and and oral testimony, we repeatedly heard how unsafe families felt in very 81 extended family networks to help with informal concern about costs of energy may make buying deprived areas where drug and alcohol misuse was prevalent. childcare arrangements, pressure to ‘fit in’ with fast food, processed food and ready meals more 75 Craig, G., O’Neill, M., Cole, the consumerist UK culture, and the responsibility attractive to refugees and asylum seekers, some B., Antonopoulos, G.A., Devanney, C. & Adamson, S 76 Lindsay, K., Gillespie, M. & Dobbie, L. 77 Children North East 78 Williams, Z. 79 Regional Refugee Forum 80 Refugee Council 81 Children’s Society WrittEn out of the picture? 29

Ne ighbourhoods result of the dispersal policy begun in 2000, the asylum and refugee community is concentrated Several local authority child poverty strategies in the region’s wards of highest deprivation. highlighted the importance of neighbourhoods There is a wide range of community integration where children were safe and where they could work going on in neighbourhoods across the thrive, with access to appropriate housing, services North East, led both by host community and and facilities, recognising the important role that refugee groups themselves. There are also these can play in mitigating the effects of poverty some excellent examples of committed and and disadvantage. constructive engagement by local policing teams The importance of a safe and secure environment with asylum seekers and refugees resident in is especially significant for refugees and asylum- their area. However, the experience of hate crime seekers, many of whom will not have enjoyed safety is widespread amongst the Regional Refugee in their home in their country of origin. As a direct Forum’s membership;

We know that… local communities were not prepared for our arrival. We know that many of them face disadvantages themselves and are angry. And we know the negative picture the national media presents about asylum seekers as ‘bogus ‘and ‘scroungers’. We see how asylum seekers become the target of hate and we’re easily identified by our skin colour and the painted red doors of the houses we’re accommodated in.82

This highlights the important role of local in the North East Region,83 produced by Durham As local residents, asylum seekers and refugees agencies to be in effective liaison with each other’.84 services in supporting not only asylum seekers University in collaboration with the Regional also want to see improvements to the fabric Within the region there are several examples of the and refugees but also the host community in Refugee Forum, showed a significant under- of their neighbourhood. Those granted leave Regional Refugee Forum’s member organisations preparing for dispersal and inward migration. reporting of race hate crime across the BME to remain are required to leave supported getting directly involved in and even initiating Findings in the 2012 report, Race, Crime & Justice community in the region with the consequent accommodation within 28 days. A report for local regeneration initiatives and neighbourhood risk that it is de-prioritised in policy making; JRF in 2005 highlighted this ‘point of decision’ as improvement schemes. One example is the work ‘the critical stage at which housing and support Until minorities feel their issues are treated sensitively, respectfully and of the Stockton African Caribbean Association on options need to be available and the different local 85 seriously, we are faced with a circular problem: a lack of respect by minorities Stockton’s Victoria estate. for the police and aspects of the Criminal Justice system (which also reflects, in some cases, their experience before coming to the UK) will mean that minorities remain reluctant to report racist incidents to the police, and under-reporting will lead to a continuing downgrading of the seriousness of the issue.

82 Craig, G., O’Neill, M., Cole, 84 Perry, J. B., Antonopoulos, G.A., 85 See www.gazettelive.co.uk Devanney, C. & Adamson, S for example 83 Regional Refugee Forum WrittEn out of the picture? 31

. conclusions

The role of local authorities in tackling child poverty is vital. As Winifred Holtby wrote in 1935; The Race, Crime & Justice report87 notes;

Local government (is) in essence the first line of defence thrown up by the This is not in fact particularly difficult but it does require both the political will, six community against our common enemies – poverty, sickness, ignorance, broadly defined (i.e. a commitment to hearing the voice of the user), and the isolation, mental derangement and social maladjustment commitment of some, albeit limited, resources to ensure it is done effectively. The benefits of doing so are not only that the moral case for regarding all citizen residents (and those aspiring to be so) in this country as of equal worth There is still a role – and a legal duty – for Notwithstanding this lack of information, we is acknowledged, but that needs can be effectively assessed and met, thus local authorities and their partners to fulfil in know that local services and relationships avoiding the waste of resources which has characterised the delivery of welfare ameliorating the impact of poverty. However, formed with local people and agencies will be for so long in this country, by the inappropriate understanding of how needs the North East Child Poverty Commission report very important at all stages of their integration. can and should be met. ‘Local authorities, local duties and local action’ Refugee Forum members believe that suggested that the proposed focus of some ‘mainstream services should be inclusive and Through their collective action over the past The Regional Refugee Forum was born from local authority priorities in attempting to change accessible’. When their views were sought on a decade, members of the Regional Refugee Forum the findings and recommendations of a trans- individual behaviour as a way of tackling poverty proposed ‘Transient People Health Centre’ there have had the opportunity to experience and national project for the European Commission in was largely unsupported by research evidence. was a positive response to specialist provision, understand the value of engagement and co- 2000. The report, ‘Hearing the voices of refugees There are many structural and institutional but deep concerns about separate provision.86 production in the UK as processes where ‘grass- in policy and practice in the European Union’, barriers faced by people attempting to improve Reliance on addressing specific barriers roots’ evidence and authentic voiced experience highlights the links between voiced experience their lives and get on in the world, and refugees through separate, specialist service provision can inform planning. The Equality & Human and effective policy and practice, and between face specific and additional barriers arising from is dependent on additional streams of funding. Rights Commission promotes engagement as a engagement and empowerment; the circumstances which forced them to seek It can also mean that universal or mainstream key tool for public bodies to employ in delivering asylum, whilst waiting for a decision, and once services continue to lack competence to include their Public Sector Equality Duty. they receive leave to remain. refugees in their provision. In the context of austerity it is even more vital that mainstream There is a lack of information about the role of Evidence shows that those who are the target beneficiaries of a policy must be services have the reach, understanding and local services in tackling poverty amongst refugees a part of the process through which they receive those benefits in order for that competencies to deliver effective support and and asylum seekers in the UK, although there is a policy to be effective. It is, therefore, a recommendation of this Network that services to all local residents. growing body of evidence about the effects of the Good Practice lies in Process itself… Enabling and empowering refugees to be an asylum process and the destitution it often leads Refugees and asylum seekers are very much part integral part of the process of their own integration promotes and encourages to for those refused asylum. There is a need to of some of the most deprived neighbourhoods active citizenship as opposed to dependency and marginalization.88 better understand how refugees cope and manage and communities in the region. Engaging with at the ‘point of decision’, how changes take place them to hear their voice on the specific issues This approach to involving service users in suggested that a ‘rights framework can increase over time and what can help refugees to settle in they face and what works best in overcoming decision-making is entirely in keeping with wider societal understanding of poverty and serve to communities, find work and begin to build new them is an important consideration for local discussions around rights-based and/or asset- include, within policy making, the voices of those lives for themselves and their families. authorities and local services. 89 based approaches to tackling poverty. It has been who endure poverty’. 86 North of England Refugee Service 87 Craig, G., O’Neill, M., Cole, B., Antonopoulos, G.A., Devanney, C. & Adamson, S 88 North of England Refugee Service 89 Minujin, A. & Nandy, S. WrittEn out of the picture? 33

Adopting a rights-based approach to tackling people experiencing poverty have experienced poverty could be accompanied by an explicit what Richard Titmuss called ‘poor services for ‘culture of belief’ in the development of policy and poor people… the product of a society which saw service delivery for not just refugees and asylum welfare as a public burden’.90 In a report exploring seekers, but all people living in poverty. The the evidence on the best ways to promote perception of ‘disrespectful services’ is not unique ‘Capability and Resilience’,91 Professor Mel Bartley to refugees and/or asylum seekers and other of University College London highlighted that:

Time and again, our research revealed that those welfare professionals who listened, who were not judgemental, gave their clients time, who were prepared to advocate for their clients and seek solutions which were appropriate to their needs, were highly valued and made a positive difference to their lives.

In a section called ‘Resilience-enhancing services’, the role of welfare professionals is discussed, bringing to mind the idea of front line workers – or ‘street level bureaucrats’ – as the ultimate policy-makers:

Too often the way services are provided is patronising and disrespectful of people’s lives and experiences. This is most often felt as ‘not being listened to’ and being on the receiving end of highly prejudicial judgements. Hence, the capabilities of the poor and the disadvantaged are often overlooked and the approach is highly problem-focused and negative.

90 Abel-Smith, A. & Titmuss, K. 91 Bartley, M. WrittEn out of the picture? 35

. Re commendations

In an austerity context, where spending As part of this commitment to Services should establish clarity about the work placements or apprenticeships providing 1 cuts have reduced the capacity of specialist 3 mainstreaming, services should identify what 6 contractual role and responsibilities of G4S orientation in the UK workplace and references e n and 3rd sector support while simultaneously is transferable and generalisable from specialist and its sub-contractor for the region, Jomast, of skills demonstrated, and for transfer and increasing demand on universal services, it is practice and expertise, including from what towards their clients (asylum seekers housed in utilisation of entrepreneurial ambitions. vital that mainstream local services take practical was previously held in ‘stand-alone’ asylum and the region through dispersal) and the articulation Public sector bodies could develop and offer

v steps to ensure they deliver an inclusive and refugee teams within their agencies or externally. with local services to ensure asylum seekers do volunteering and work experience opportunities. effective service to all local residents. This not ‘fall through gaps’ or excluded from support. Equality and Diversity training and courses There should be a parallel investment in universal service approach is likely to have most teaching social, health and youth work in Services should audit the provision of – training the business sector/employers in

e 4 11 impact on the poorest and most marginalised particular, need to incorporate the increasing 7 and liaison between - services at the ‘point of Equality and Diversity, including how they are individuals who come into contact with services. diversity of minorities and their differing decision’ to ensure that administrative delays and implemented in recruitment, in progression and Local services should develop effective, histories, circumstances and specific needs errors do not lead to destitution, debts, arrears or in retention, otherwise evidence indicates that s 2 sustained and two-way engagement in order to produce effective outcomes at the hardships for refugees at a critical life stage. the investment in preparing a refugee for the processes with local refugee led community front line. Reflective practice is an essential labour market is not maximised. Advisers working in schools should be aware organisations which will; part of training to prevent staff from making 8 of entitlements and funds still accessible to Financial advice services should consider assumptions based on their own cultural norms, •Provide accurate and up to date info about children of asylum seekers, and while their advice 12 both the specific and additional information to recognise power dynamics in operation, and to services to a community that predominantly may be informed by the current status of the needs of refugees who may be unfamiliar with ensure an explicit ‘culture of belief’ (as opposed to disseminates information through word of child, it should not be limited by it. They should financial arrangements in the UK, particularly for disbelief) is adopted when working with asylum mouth, and promote the communities’ ability deliver support based on the assumption that credit and debt, and the specific barriers they seekers and refugees. The new Public Health duty to engage with a changing system. leave to remain will be granted and include advice face in accessing financial institutions. on local authorities and the new commissioning on putting any forced waiting time between •Enable planners, commissioners and managers The region’s political leadership should arrangements provide an excellent opportunity school and university to best use. to hear the authentic voiced experience of ensure discourse on asylum seekers to embed this training at an early stage in this 13 service users who can evidence what is actually Further Education courses need to provide and refugees is responsible and accurate. transition. happening (as opposed to what should happen) 9 a clearly signposted, respected, credible Leadership should reinforce not just the Local services should engage with the and provide recommendations about what vocational training offer that will provide people region’s values but also its specific economic cross sector North East Migration Network. would work best. 5 with a clear and realistic route into employment, context, as has developed in Scotland where Chaired by the Association of North East Councils, help them progress in their prior careers or the benefits of migration in terms of population, •Increase the knowledge, skills and its Migrant Databank and issue based subgroups support them in starting their own business. skills, entrepreneurial drive and international competencies of practitioners and point of provide an opportunity for services to highlight connections has been recognised. access staff to deliver to this community Employment and enterprise support issues of current concern in relation to new through challenging perceptions and services should consider the Good migrant communities and work together to 10 behaviour built on the ‘single story’. Practice guide and the recommendations of identify further actions at the level of policy the Refugee Forum’s Skilled Project . Specific •In planning engagement, it must be remem- and practice. support is needed for prior skills accreditation, bered that the vast majority of community opportunities to refresh and update prior skills, groups are unfunded and rely entirely on their voluntary commitment to support change. WrittEn out of the picture? 37 . ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . References e

The authors are grateful for the support from 1 www.parliament.uk/ Available at www. 14 Department for 21 Still Human Still Photography edm/2012-13/1019 publications.parliament. Education (2011) A New Here: Evidence on the the Policy & Representation Partnership and the uk/pa/jt200809/jtselect/ Approach to Child Poverty: destitution of asylum All of the photographs 2 www.38degrees.org. Joseph Rowntree Foundation which made this jtrights/183/183.pdf Tackling the Causes seekers for the Home presented in the report uk/page/speakout/ 9 European Convention of Disadvantage and Affairs Select Committee report possible. The Policy & Representation have been taken by PermissionToWork on Human Rights (2010), Transforming Families’ inquiry. April 2013. refugees and asylum 3 Partnership is a funding stream administered Beveridge Lecture (1999) Council of Europe: Lives, London: TSO seekers in the North East. Available at www. by Voluntary Organisations Network North East Available at www.bris. Strasbourg Available at www.gov.uk/ parliament.uk/documents/ ac.uk/poverty/downloads/ government/uploads/ commons-committees/

IGHT Photographs on the cover Available at www.echr. (VONNE) on behalf of the Big Lottery. background/Tony%20 and pages 5, 12, 17, 19, 22, coe.int/Documents/ system/uploads/attach home-affairs/130416%20 nin Blair%20Child%20 25, 29 & 33 were taken Convention_ENG.pdf ment_data/file/177031/ Asylum%20written%20 The report builds on a presentation by the Poverty%20Speech.doc by children as part of a CM-8061.pdf evidence.pdf Regional Refugee Forum North East delivered at 10 Joint Committee on photography project run 4 15 22 E For example Platt, J. Ibid O’Neill, M. & Hubbard, P. 92 Human Rights (2009) a ‘Poverty & Ethnicity’ event at Durham University by Children North East. (2011) Inequality within (2012) Asylum, exclusion Legislative Scrutiny: Child 16 Pinter, I. (2011) Photographs on pages 6, 8 ethnic groups, York: JRF. and the social role of on November 23rd 2012. Poverty Bill Twenty-eighth Destitution among & 11 were taken as part of Available at www.jrf. arts and culture, Moving report of session 2008- refugee and asylum a project involving Durham org.uk/sites/files/jrf/ Worlds: a journal of We would also like to acknowledge the help and 2009, London: TSO seeking children, Poverty University, Regional inequality-ethnicity- transcultural writing, Available at www. 138, London CPAG support of the Race, Crime & Justice Regional Refugee Forum North East poverty-full.pdf Asylum Accounts, 12:2 publications.parliament. and Purple Rose Stockton.93 Available at www.cpag.org. Research Group, a collaboration between the 5 23 PSA Delivery Agreement uk/pa/jt200809/jtselect/ uk/content/destitution- Leitner, H. and Ehrkamp, region’s Universities, criminal justice agencies 9: Halve the number of jtrights/183/183.pdf among-refugee-and- P. (2006) ‘Transnationalism children in poverty by and migrants’ imaginings and voluntary and community organisations 11 Child Poverty Act (2010) asylum seeking-children 2010-11, on the way to of citizenship; Environment 17 representing or working with BME communities eradicating child poverty Available at Joint Committee on and Planning A 38:9 by 2020 (2007), London: www.legislation.gov.uk/ Human Rights: Inquiry in the region. 24 See also; Craig, G., TSO. ukpga/2010/9/contents on Children’s Rights (2009) Submission of O’Neill, M., Cole, B., Available at www.hm- 12 Child Poverty Unit (2012) the Immigration Law Antonopoulos, G.A., Stephen Crossley Georgina Fletcher treasury.gov.uk/d/pbr_ Continuing to meet the Practitioners Association Devanney, C & Adamson, Institute for Local Governance, Chief Executive Officer, csr07_psa9.pdf child poverty challenge: S (2012) ‘Race’, crime and support for local areas in Available at www.ilpa.org. Durham University Regional Refugee Forum North East 6 justice in the North East Revised local child uk/data/resources/130 2012-13 region, Durham: Durham poverty measure, HM 73/09.02.566.pdf Revenue & Customs. Available at www. University knowledgehub.local.gov. 18 Asylum: Financial support Available at www.hmrc. Available at www.dur. uk/c/document_library/ for asylum seekers (2013) gov.uk/statistics/child- ac.uk/resources/sass/ get_file?uuid=c45bd33d- poverty-stats.htm#1 Available at www. research/RaceCrime 49ac-48bf-9813ecb932548 parliament.uk/briefing- JusticeintheNorthEast 7 Child Poverty Act (2010) b04&groupId=6814418 papers/SN01909.pdf FinalReport.pdf Available at 13 Memorandum of 19 Ibid 25 Lindsay, K., Gillespie, www.legislation.gov.uk/ Evidence to Joint M. & Dobbie, L. (2010) ukpga/2010/9/contents 20 Report of the Plmntry. Committee of Human Refugees’ Experiences Inquiry into Asylum 8 Joint Committee on Rights: Child Poverty Bill and Views of Poverty Support for Children and The Regional Refugee Forum North East Human Rights (2009) (2009) Immigration Law in Scotland, Glasgow: Young People (2013), Legislative Scrutiny: Child Practitioners Association Scottish Poverty is supported by London: Children’s Society Poverty Bill Twenty-eighth Available at www.ilpa.org. Information Unit Available at report of session 2008- uk/data/resources/13049/ Available at www.scottish www.childrenssociety.org. 2009, London: TSO 09.09.542.pdf refugeecouncil.org.uk/ uk/sites/default/files/tcs/ assets/0000/0963/Poverty asylum_support_inquiry_ _Oct_10_Full_Report.pdf report_final.pdf WrittEn out of the picture? 39

26 For example, O’Neill, M. 33 Available at www.jrf. 40 Bradshaw, J. (2009) The 48 Craig, G., O’Neill, M., Available at www.gov.uk/ 67 Heath and Cheung (2006) Available at www.dur.ac.uk 77 Child Poverty: definitely 82 Regional Refugee Forum Available at www.dur.ac.uk (2010) Asylum, Migration org.uk/work/workarea/ prevalence, characteristics Cole, B., Antonopoulos, government/uploads/ ‘Ethnic penalties in the /resources/sass/research/ not a thing of the past, (2012) ‘Tackling Hate Crime /resources/sass/research/ and Community, Bristol: poverty-and-ethnicity and distribution of child G.A., Devanney, C & system/uploads/ labour market: employers RaceCrimeJusticeinthe Children North East in Stockton Through RaceCrimeJusticeinthe Policy Press poverty in the North East, Adamson, S (2012) ‘Race’, attachment_data/ and discrimination’. NorthEastFinalReport.pdf Engagement with the NorthEastFinalReport.pdf 34 CPAG (2011) Migration, Available at https://www. 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