The strategic plan documents the strategy and objectives for Kids in Need of Defense UK for 2020-22. We strive for a world where the rights and well-being of all children and young people are protected by ensuring access to high-quality, free legal assistance to navigate a complex immigration system.
Research suggests that there are 215,000 undocumented children and 117,000 undocumented young people currently living in the UK. It’s believed that half of these undocumented children were born here, whilst most have been educated in the UK and speak English as their main language. However, all lack the security provided by British citizenship or, at least, secure immigration status.
This has practical, social and economic impacts and permeates their everyday lives. It affects family life, employment prospects, social networks, friendships, housing, access to medical help and justice. As they transition into adulthood these young people are excluded from work and higher education and may be removed to a country they’ve never lived in or even visited. It is our ambition to change this
and create a world where every child has the opportunity to thrive.
We will also pursue systemic change by seeking to influence the public narrative, policy and practice affecting children and young people living in the UK with insecure immigration status.
