Information provision messages

Inform unaccompanied children beneficiaries of international protection on the below.

• Their guaranteed basic rights, such as the right to education, healthcare, psychosocial support, social and legal assistance, legal representation/guardianship, and protection from exploitation and trafficking. Emphasise their entitlement to appropriate care and support and highlight the services dedicated to  unaccompanied children with special needs. 
• Their entitlement to and the compulsory need for a guardian or legal representative. If this information differs from what was given during the asylum procedure, clarify the roles and responsibilities of the legal representative or guardian. 
• Their right to file a complaint against the legal representative or guardian if necessary.
• The types of accommodation available, such as with adult relatives, with a foster family, in a centre specialised in accommodation for children, in other type of accommodation suitable for children, or group homes. Present the advantages of each available option to help them express an informed opinion, but clarify that the final decision will depend on their best interests.
• The fact that their views and opinions are given due weight in all decisions concerning them, but clarify that not all decisions will always align with their expressed views.
• Their right to participate in decisions affecting them, including the right to express their opinions and have them considered in designing actions concerning them. 
• Their opportunities to engage in socio-cultural integration activities.
• Their right to family reunification; inform them on the information and support needed from their side to reunite them with their families. 
• Support services available from governmental and non-governmental organisations and local communities. Detail the types of support provided and give them contact information for these service providers. Include information on social integration support, such as mentoring programmes and recreational activities.
• The measures, the support and the guidance available to protect them from exploitation, abuse, violence and trafficking. Explain the risks and emphasise the importance of these protective measures. Provide practical knowledge on recognising signs of exploitation and how to report concerns to relevant focal points (e.g. legal guardian, authorities, reception staff, NGOs, cultural mediators). Stress the importance of fast reporting and provide exact contact information for focal points.
• The availability and benefits of mental health support services. Explain common mental health conditions affecting unaccompanied minors and the specialised services available to support their wellbeing. Assure them that these services are provided in a culturally sensitive manner.
• Educate unaccompanied minors about the principle of acting in their best interests, explaining what a best interests assessment involves, including its focus and who participates in the process.
• Conflict management, including examples of common situations, and detailed steps and actions to take for keeping them safe or for potential conflict mediation and resolution obligation of Member States to initiate or continue family tracing for unaccompanied children upon granting international protection.

Practical tips

• When drafting and conveying messages to unaccompanied children, use age-appropriate language to ensure understanding. Break down the information into small, digestible topics.
• Ensure the information is accompanied by adequate support and guidance tailored to the children’s age and level of understanding.
• Ensure that unaccompanied minors retain and understand the information provided. Repeat key messages in various contexts, provide relevant examples, and encourage them to ask questions. Schedule regular meetings to revisit topics, answer questions, and offer ongoing support. Use these meetings to reinforce information and assess understanding.
• Conduct group sessions to give unaccompanied minors a comprehensive overview of their rights and available options. Address common questions and concerns regarding accommodation, representation, access to rights, available support, and protection from harm.
• Use interactive methods such as role-playing, Q&A sessions, group discussions and storytelling to explain scenarios and solutions. Incorporate activities like drawing, crafting or games to reinforce the information.
• Work with child psychologists, social workers and educators to tailor the communication approach to the children's developmental levels and emotional states.