The position of separated children in Ireland who turn 18: Aged out and excluded?

Abstract

My research investigates the position of independent child migrants, referred to as separated children, in Irish society. The research focuses on the transition period from being a separated child to an aged-out minor in Ireland. The transition from childhood to adulthood and turning 18 years of age is a significant one, a day that should be filled with excitement, anticipation and planning how to celebrate the big day with family and friends. For separated children living in Ireland, however, turning 18 can be accompanied by very different emotions and can be the start of a period of great uncertainty. The Separated Children in Europe Programme (SCEP) is an initiative which was established in 1997 and aims to realise and promote the rights of separated children through the analysis of policy, research and advocacy at both a European and national level. The SCEP describes these children as Separated children began arriving ...