Our Family Rights Service provides a vital lifeline for asylum-seeking parents and children, according to a new report.
The evaluation, carried out by researchers at the University of Stirling, found that our specialist service helped families better understand the asylum system, reduced trauma, and in some cases, even saved lives.
The report covers a three-year pilot of the Family Rights Service, which aimed to improve the experiences and outcomes of 200 families seeking asylum in Scotland.
Working together to help families rebuild their lives
Our Family Rights Service combines a partnership approach with a case management model.
Every family is assigned a case manager who gives them specialist guidance and one-to-one support on every step of their asylum journey.
Case managers also work closely with legal representatives and other service providers to make sure families understand what is happening and feel empowered to fully engage in the asylum process.
The initial three-year pilot was delivered by Scottish Refugee Council in partnership with JustRight Scotland and immigration lawyers Latta & Co.
Jalal Chaudry, an Associate Solicitor at Latta & Co believes the Family Rights Service has led to “a clear increase in levels of understanding of families in the asylum system.” He described case managers as providing “a very human approach in a process that can often feel dehumanising.”
Family Rights Service manager, Esther Muchena said: “I believe this partnership approach, working closely with legal partners, is the first of its kind. We have learned so much from each other and we want to continue working together and learning from each other.”
Single parent Ibrahim and his three children were supported by our Family Right Service.
He said: “[When we arrived in Scotland] I was in a hotel in Glasgow and it was a bit awkward, uncertain and new for me and my kids. It was like having furniture pieces without the catalogue that explains how to put them together. When we met our case manager Caitlin, it felt like we had found the compass that was going to help us find our way and achieve our goals.
“Most individuals and families [seeking refugee protection] already come with trauma from the challenges we have been through. Speaking of my personal experience, I have three kids and two of them are suffering from mental health problems. It was very difficult and challenging for me, but with the presence of our case manager it was made easier to deal with it. It’s been about 18 months since we met Caitlin. Our care was consistent. I drew a lot of benefit from her guidance and advice.
“Programmes like the Family Rights Service remind us that as asylum seekers and refugees, we are not alone in these challenges we are facing. I hope it’s something that doesn’t stop and keeps going. We are part of a larger society and improving the lives of asylum seekers and refugees has benefits for the whole of society.”
Key findings
The report outlines five key findings highlighting the positive impact of our Family Rights Service.
1. Better oversight makes it easier to identify gaps in the system
Closer collaboration between case managers, legal representatives and other service providers has helped uncover key challenges and gaps within the asylum process.
2. People seeking asylum have a better understanding of the system and feel empowered to actively engage in the process
Case managers not only advocate for families, they also actively encourage them to engage with the asylum system independently. This approach empowers people to make decisions about their own futures and lead happy, healthy lives in Scotland.
3. People seeking asylum find it easier to access their rights and get support they need
Case managers make sure families are aware of their rights and entitlements and know how to access support.
4. Reducing trauma experienced by people seeking asylum
Navigating the hostile asylum system can be scary and confusing. Having a trusted case manager to turn to for guidance makes a huge difference for families and ensures they get the specialist support they need.
5. Responding more quickly to poverty-related issues
Case managers work with families to identify potential financial problems and respond quickly to prevent parents and children from falling into extreme poverty.
Read the full report here, or take a look at the executive summary.
Responding to the findings, service manager, Esther said: “We set out to improve people’s understanding of the asylum process and improve their asylum and welfare outcomes. I think this report shows that we have been successful in doing that.
“The Family Rights Service gives each family the tailored support they need to address the unique challenges they face. We support people in so many ways, from improving their understanding of the complex asylum process, meeting their health needs and reducing poverty to helping children and parents access education and make social connections.
“This approach empowers people, gives them self-agency and prepares them for the future so they can integrate better in their new communities and achieve their goals. Although the pilot focussed on supporting families, the model can be replicated to help other people in the asylum system.”
The Family Rights Service is currently delivered through our Refugee Support Service. Find out more about how we’re supporting people seeking safety across Scotland.
Read Azade’s story to discover how we’re helping pregnant women and families on every step of their asylum journey.
