22. Children

22.06. An independent legal guardian is appointed to provide protection and assistance for any unaccompanied or separated minors, preferably from a similar linguistic, cultural or religious background.

22. Children,C. Treatment and Duty of Protection and Care

22.07. Where possible conflicts of interest arise, the appointment of a legal guardian is subject to independent judicial review.

22. Children,C. Treatment and Duty of Protection and Care

22.08. Minors have effective access to legal counsel.

22. Children,C. Treatment and Duty of Protection and Care

22.02. The decision whether to detain a child’s parent or guardian takes into account the best interests implications of that decision for the child and the right of all family members to a family and private life.

22. Children,C. Treatment and Duty of Protection and Care

22.03. Less coercive and intrusive alternatives to detaining children and their families are always and exhaustively explored and documented, before taking a decision to detain as a last resort.

22. Children,C. Treatment and Duty of Protection and Care

22.04. There is an effective package of alternatives to detention available for children and their families provided for in law and regulation.

22. Children,C. Treatment and Duty of Protection and Care

22.01. All decisions in relation to the immigration detention of children accord the best interests of the child primary consideration, and those interests are legally protected.

22. Children,C. Treatment and Duty of Protection and Care