Checklist for first meeting with the young person

Aim of a first meeting

building a trusted relationship
identify any need for urgency
obtain an account of their age and personal history
collect relevant information to decide on next steps
identify and assess their support needs
explain the next steps and the process

Note: remember you are talking to a young person who has experienced trauma and who might be confused about who they have seen and what has happened since they have arrived as well as about their journey to the UK.

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Things you may need at the first meeting

Interpreter - it is good practice to not use family or friends or people in the hotel. If possible arrange for a professional interpreter.
Consent form so you can make a referral and/or talk to social service and solicitors on behalf of the young person.
Resources explaining age assessment’s in the young person’s language (and a copy for yourself in English) - access them here.

Information to support the checklist

Level of urgency
What assessments have they already had?
Obtain any useful info that may improve their claim
Explain the process to the young person

Checklist template

Access template here.

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