Question to the Home Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what advice they have issued to local authorities about the provision of support for children from the European Economic Area and Switzerland who are subject to interim care orders and are applying, or intend to apply, for status through the EU Settlement Scheme.

The Home Office has issued guidance about the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) to help local authorities and Health and Social Care Trusts understand their responsibilities for supporting looked after children and care leavers. The EUSS has been designed to be as simple as possible, but we have committed to working with applicants, and those supporting them, to ensure they obtain the status they need where required.

The Home Office has been engaging with relevant stakeholders such as the Department for Education, Local Government Association and Association of Directors of Children’s Services to assess the needs of this group and ensure they are supported.