Background information
The authorities have the obligation to provide information to child applicants, both accompanied or unaccompanied children as well as to provide them with relevant support to ensure that their special reception needs are met and they can benefit from the rights and comply with the obligations related to reception.
It is key that information is understood and accepted. The information provision messages should be not only written but also channelled in a child friendly language. In this regard, it is important to organise dedicated information sessions and focus group discussions with specialised personnel where children can ask questions and receive information on their rights, obligations, and the support provided to them. It is also recommended to provide examples that can be easily understood in order for children to better comprehend the information messages.
Information provision needs to be start from an early stage and continue throughout the reception procedure.
For the basic rules and tips on communication techniques with persons with specific communication needs, check the general Methodology page.
EUAA information materials
Below you will find a package of child-friendly information materials (animations and brochures) specifically designed for and tested with accompanied and unaccompanied children. These can be used both upon arrival in the reception centre and during the stay phase. The brochures are editable and allow you the possibility to add useful information and contact details specific for a location or a country.
The brochures are customisable to the extent that the national reception authority or other responsible entities can complement it with information specific to the national reception context and reception facility (e.g. adding contact details and any other useful information).
The animations and brochures come with short 'how to use' manuals providing tips and explanations about the purpose of the package and recommendations on when to distribute it, how and to whom. Explanation is provided on how to customise the brochures.
Each document includes a script to support the facilitator in carrying out information sessions using these materials.
- EUAA Animation on rights and obligations of accompanied and unaccompanied children in reception and 'How to use' the animation. It informs applicant children about their general right to safety and protection from violence and abuse and how to stay safe while living in a reception centre.
- EUAA Animation on safety rules for accompanied and unaccompanied children and 'How to use' the animation. It gives a brief explanation of children´s rights and responsibilities linked to their reception as applicants for international protection, starting with the arrival phase.
- EUAA Brochure for accompanied children on rights and obligations in reception ('What you need to know about life at a reception centre') and 'How to use' the brochure. Complements the animations for children with further details on the rights and obligations of accompanied children in reception and how support staff can help them.
- EUAA Brochure for unaccompanied children on rights and obligations in reception ('What you need to know about life at a reception centre') and 'How to use' the brochure. The brochure complements the animations for children with further details on the rights and obligations of accompanied children in reception and how support staff can help them.
Visit the EUAA Products page to watch/download available translations in multiple EU and non-EU languages.
Related EUAA tool
The Tool for Identification pf Persons with Special Needs (IPSN) in an interactive online solution that facilitates the timely identification of persons with special procedural and/or reception needs. It may be used at any stage of the asylum procedure and at any stage of the reception process. The users of this tool are officials and other actors in contact with applicants for international protection, and it does not presuppose expert knowledge in medicine, psychology or other subjects outside the asylum procedure.
The IPSN tool is available in many EU and non-EU languages.
Related EUAA training
The EUAA offers the training module ‘Reception of vulnerable persons: identification of vulnerability and provision of initial support (Block A)’. The module includes a dedicated unit on information provision to vulnerable persons.
If you are interested in attending EUAA training courses, please contact the person responsible for training within your authority in order to receive additional information.
Information provision messages
Explain the following in a child-friendly manner in line with the age and maturity of the child. Provide the messages gradually during the arrival phase, and add more information adapted to individual circumstances during the stay phase.
Inform the child applicants on the below.
- In Europe, everyone under the age of 18 is considered to be a child and thus has the right to special protection. Explain what special protection means and what rights and obligations children have; provide some examples.
- If someone if under the age of 18, or they are not sure if they are older, they should inform the reception staff.
- What will happen immediately upon arrival and what will happen next.
- The practicalities of life in the reception centre, including available child-appropriate activities.
- The child’s best interests and well-being are the primary considerations during all procedures.
- Children can express their views and opinions (concerns, fears, wishes). These will be taken into consideration if fitting their best interests and well-being. When considering the child’s views and opinions, their age and maturity will be taken into account. Give examples.
- Children have the right to education but also an obligation to attend school until the age stipulated in the pertinent national legislation.
- Children can share views and opinions with the reception staff, either through their parents or guardian or directly, according to your national practice.
- How to stay safe and what to do in case of an emergency. Include dedicated emergency numbers for children.
In cases of unaccompanied children or children who might be unaccompanied, also explain the following points where relevant to their situation.
- A legal guardian will be appointed to assist them and act on their behalf throughout the asylum and reception procedure. Explain the role of the legal guardian as well as how and to whom reach out if there are any concerns regarding the legal guardian. For more information, see also the topic 'Appointment of a representative/guardian'.
- Available options for accommodation, as per national practice.
- They might be asked to undergo an age assessment to determine whether the person is an adult or a child (if applicable). Read more about information provision messages on this topic in the section 'Age assessment'. You can use the child-friendly information materials developed by the EUAA ('Age assessment for children' animation and 'All you need to know about age assessment’ booklet).
- Support available for tracing their family members. For more information, see also the topic 'Family tracing, family members in other EU+ countries and family reunification'.
Check out the accordion above for the EUAA information materials developed for accompanied and unaccompanied children and the short ‘How to use’ manuals for more tips on how to provide information in a child-friendly manner.
Practical tips
- Provide information with the support of child-friendly materials, such as animations, videos, brochures, or comic books specifically designed for children. Make sure to use materials adapted to the specific age group of the children.
- If the child has another vulnerability, make sure to adapt the content of the information also in line with that vulnerability.
- Encourage children to ask questions in order to emphasise that they have the right to express their opinions.