Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what safeguards her Department has put in place to help protect unaccompanied children from Ukraine through the Homes for Ukraine Scheme.

The Homes for Ukraine scheme supports eligible unaccompanied minors to safely arrive, and to live and thrive in the UK without their parent or legal guardian, supported by a sponsor that they know and trust.

Eligible Minors are protected by robust safeguarding measures. Parental or legal guardian consent is required before a sponsorship arrangement is agreed, and sponsors must pass safeguarding checks before a visa is issued. Councils must comply with safeguarding responsibilities and statutory duties. Local authorities receive an enhanced tariff for each eligible minor arrival, recognising the increased safeguarding support needed.

Detailed guidance for councils, sponsors, and parents/legal guardians must be adhered to, is available at:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/homes-for-ukraine-guidance-for-councils-children-and-minors-applying-without-parents-or-legal-guardians#eligibility-criteria

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/homes-for-ukraine-guidance-for-sponsors-children-and-minors-applying-without-parents-or-legal-guardians#sponsor-eligibility:~:text=Must%20agree%20to,to%20adult%20life