5.5.1 Passports, Immigration and Naturalisation |
SCOPE OF THIS CHAPTER
This Chapter is new: June 2009.
It provides procedures, in relation to Looked After Children, for the obtaining of Passports, Immigration and Naturalisation.
At this stage (June 2009), only procedures for obtaining Passports are provided, other sections will be included in due course.
For guidance on Naturalisation of children, provided by the UK Border Agency, please go to the UK Border Agency website/Naturalisation.
For guidance on Immigration, provided by the UK Border Agency, please go to the UK Border Agency website/Immigration
Contents
1. Passports for Looked After Children
When a child becomes Looked After, the social worker should ascertain the immigration status of the child, and whether s/he has a Passport.
If the child does not have a Passport, the social worker must make arrangements to obtain one after the child has been Looked After for six months.
2.
Establish if the child has a Passport
When a child becomes Looked After, the Social Worker should complete a Care Plan and Placement Information Record, obtain a copy of the child's birth certificate ascertain if the child has a valid passport in their own right.
Where this is not the case the Social Worker will advise the parent that one must be obtained and should any travel be planned or occur appropriate parental consent will be obtained - these arrangements should be made after the child has been in care for 6 months.
Where it is the case the passport will be retained and given to the carer for safekeeping and a record of the passport number retained on file should it be lost.
If the child does not have a valid Passport, in his/her own right, the social worker should make arrangements to obtain one.
3.
Obtain a Passport
Firstly, it will be necessary to establish that children born in the UK after 31.12.82 are British citizens. Where the child's parents do not hold British passports, further documentary evidence of the parents' British nationality will be required.
Where the necessary documents are unavailable you should consult the
Nationality Enquiry Team
United Kingdom Border Agency
PO Box 306
Liverpool L2 0QN
T: 0845 010 5200
Email:nationalityenquiries@ind.homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk
For detailed guidance on obtaining a passport for a child in care or Looked After Child, please download the following document: Guidance when applying for passports on behalf of a Looked After Child.
For additional guidance, go to the Home Office Identity and Passports Service Website
End