A decision may need to be taken to decide if an asylum seeker is a child or an adult. A young person in this situation is likely to undergo an ‘age assessment’ to carefully consider any available evidence. All accessible sources of relevant information and evidence must be considered, since no single assessment technique is likely to provide a precise estimate of age.

This usually means someone who says they are a child (under 18 years of age) but the Home Office or Local Authority believes they are an adult (18 years of age or over). Your rights will be different if you are considered to be a child or an adult.

This is the legal age for having sex in the UK. The age of consent is 16 years of age. This law is to protect children from abuse. It is also illegal to take, show or share indecent photographs of a child or for a person in a position of trust (such as a teacher or care worker) to have sex with anyone under the age of 18 who is in the care of their organisation. The Sexual Offences Act 2003 provides more information about the law in relation to sexual activity.

Every asylum seeker should be issued with an Application Registration Card (ARC), which is also known as an ARC. This is a credit card sized document which can be used to prove you are who you claim to be. The card contains information about you, including your fingerprint and photograph.

This covers a broad range of behaviour, ranging from dropping litter to low level crime. It can be very frustrating and hurtful to neighbours. Some of this behaviour is not illegal but it can damage community relationships.

This form needs to be completed for asylum seekers to access support from the UK Government. You should apply if you are, or are likely to become, homeless or will run out of money within the next 14 days. You can make a claim at the following website but Migrant Help can also provide you with support completing this form:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/application-for-asylum-support-form-asf1

This card is provided by the UK Government to support asylum seekers. The card enables asylum support funds (Section 95 and Section 4 funding) to be provided to asylum seekers without the need for cash payments. The card can be used in shops to buy goods and withdraw funds at a cash machine.

A Welsh Government-funded partnership of seven organisations who work with people seeking sanctuary. The Asylum Rights Programme (ARP) provides advice and advocacy. More information about the ARP can be found here:

https://welshrefugeecouncil.org.uk/news/21042017-1405/asylum-rights-programme-arp

This is someone who has applied for asylum protection in the UK and is waiting for a decision from the UK Government.

Asylum seekers who are destitute may be able to receive accommodation or financial support from the Home Office. An application, known as an ASF1 must be submitted to the Home Office to access support. Accepting accommodation support will mean you have no choice in where you are dispersed within the UK.