Input:
**At a crossroads. Unaccompanied and separated children in their transition to adulthood in Italy**

d. **Economic independence:** The young guests pay rent, although at a special rate, and hence need to manage their economic revenues independently.

**Case study on supervised independent living and housing solutions (Lombardy)**

**The practices covered by this study are:**

**1.** **Since 1989, the social cooperative ‘La Cordata’ has been working with vulnerable people,**

**providing them with support and social inclusion services. Since 2008, it has run the ‘Case**

**Saltatempo’ project, which is based on a reception model organized in several apartments**

**located in different districts of Milan, each of which accommodate four to six young people.**

**2.** **The social cooperative ‘Comunità Progetto’ has 13 apartments for the temporary reception of**

**people in need. Active since 1999, it has hosted dozens of people in various projects of social**

**housing and support to housing independence.**

**3.** **As part of the experience of Pio Albergo Trivulzio e Museo Martinitt e Stelline, the Protected**

**Housing Service has been active since 2000 for young people aged 17 to 21 who are under the**

**responsibility of Social Services. Since 2003, it has been transformed into a male hostel for men**

**and then into social housing for 18–26-year olds. Several apartments are managed in different**

**areas of Milan.**

**The experiences differ mainly in terms of organization of the service: number of hours of presence**

**of professional staff, internal rules, and the relationship with the surrounding context. Yet, they do**

**have some aspects in common: they all consider that support staff must be present, particularly from**

**a psychological point of view, to provide guidance in the pathway towards autonomy. One factor**

**deserves special attention in terms of effective scalability of these practices: that of working in the**

**local context, in particular, the involvement of the neighbourhood and/or the local community is**

**essential for implementing effective practices and facilitating their transfer to other territories.**

**7.2 Latium: Experiences of formal and informal relations in support of UASC and**
**former UASC**

The case study carried out in Rome focused on formal and informal relationships with the aim of understanding how they support UASC in their transition to adulthood. The entire network of relations is fundamental in the migratory journey, in particular for children who experience it alone, because it constitutes their social capital. [59] The research analysed the dynamics of formal relationships in two youth centres, Civico Zero and Matemù, frequented by UASC who live in reception facilities, in independent homes or on the streets. In these youth centres, an informal first meeting introduces UASC to the legal support services, job orientation, language courses, theatre activities, and music and photography workshops. In particular, they are introduced to the 65

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**Fondazione ISMU**

possibility of engaging in social activities with peers coming from different parts of the world. These spaces play an important role in building the network of relationships for UASC and former UASC, because they help them in the production of social capital that can support their process of social inclusion. Some of the most promising practices that emerge include: a. **Youth centres situated half way between the children and young people and the reception**

**system:** This position allows social workers to identify the critical areas for which support is needed,

so as to direct UASC and former UASC towards professional support. In addition, negotiation and mediation for the resolution of conflicts with the institutional sphere and in bureaucratic processes generates trust in social workers, and ensures personalized attention focused on each individual path.

b. **Activation of outreach units in 'hot' spots of the city:** These units are an effective, first point of contact with UASC and former UASC arriving from other areas of Italy, in particular from Sicily and Calabria. In this first contact, the social workers assess the needs of the adolescents and are able to direct them to institutional structures or to informal shelters in the case of former UASC in transit.

c. **The variety of activities offered by these centres:** These allow young people to experiment with artistic activities (music, theatre, photography, etc.) and to share experiences that strengthen friendships and networks with other peers. In particular, workshops of the Theatre of the Oppressed [60] organized by Civico Zero allow UASC and former UASC to express their fears and traumas, coming to terms with their own experiences in a collective and group process, an effective tool to build relationships of trust, especially between peers with similar experiences.

d. **Volunteering, civil service and civic engagement activities** proposed to UASC and former UASC: They are **a means for integrating** into a wider network of contacts to support the construction of social networks, especially for young people who find it difficult to build them on their own.

With regard to informal relationships, the case study delved into two types of CSOs: Accoglienza Libera e Integrata (ALI) and Movimento Famiglie Affidatarie e Accoglienti (MFAEA). The main objective of both CSOs is to support social inclusion for UASC by identifying personal needs, including school and professional guidance and support, and assistance in bureaucratic procedures and medical examinations. But even more important are the family environment, the friendly relationships created (between young people, children, parents, foreigners and Italians) and the emotional support that UASC and former UASC can receive. These experiences foster family relationships, providing the opportunity to build emotional ties, which can offer emotional support in addition to concrete support. Moreover, the possibility of building relationships with other family members (often the children who are of the same age as the young people hosted) favours relationships with same-age natives.

The development of the networks of individuals and organizations that the CSOs set up in a structured manner provides UASC with full access to local public services and with a wider network of resources to draw on.

Informal, grassroots experiences such as those described can emerge as a reaction to the lack of (or perceived lack of) effectiveness of institutional interventions. For this reason, the eventual scaling up of such interventions is possible when pre-existing forms of active citizenship are present, from where groups/networks/families with adequate relations and social capital can engage in activities such as those described above for the benefit of UASC and former UASC.

66

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**At a crossroads. Unaccompanied and separated children in their transition to adulthood in Italy**

**Case study on the experiences of formal and informal relationships in support of**
**UASC and former UASC (Latium)**

**The four experiences described in this case study are:**

**1.** **Civico Zero, a daytime meeting centre that welcomes UASC in order to offer support services**

**to basic needs (laundry, shower, food), legal assistance, psychosocial support, orientation and**

**temporary protection for those who find themselves in situations of social marginalization,**

**contributing to building positive pathways.**

**2.** **Matemù, a Youth Centre and School of Art run by the non-profit organization CIES. The youth**

**centre mainly serves as a place for youth to meet. Matemù’s activities are aimed at a mixed**

**target where it is possible for young Italians and foreigners to meet, thus fostering relationships**

**between peers in an intercultural setting.**

**3.** **Accoglienza Libera e Integrata (ALI), an association founded in 2017 by families and singles**

**who decided to concretely provide emotional and relational support to former UASC, as well as**

**support in seeking a job, when completing and/or in obtaining their degree/diploma, looking**

**for a house, etc. The aim of the association is not to replace the institutions responsible for**

**the reception of former UASC, but rather, to offer support by building informal and friendly**

**relationships, for solidarity and exchange.**

**4.** **Movimento Famiglie Affidatarie e Accoglienti – Casa Salesiana Borgo Ragazzi Don Bosco**

**(MFAEA) deals with foster care families, a network of families who have expressed the desire to**

**initiate a path of fostering or reception. The general objective is to create a welfare community**

**that combines public services with family support.**

67

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**Fondazione ISMU**

**7.3 Sicily: A structured support to volunteer guardians**

This case study focused on the Palermo Model, designed and implemented before the entry into force of Law 47/2017 through the collaboration between the Office of the Ombudsman for Children and Adolescents of the Palermo municipality and the UNICEF-sponsored Unità di Supporto e di Monitoraggio dei Tutori (USMT), Volunteer Guardians Support and Monitoring Unit) with a view to promoting, supporting and developing this system of volunteer guardianship for UASC across Sicily. As pointed out by the coordinator of the UMT, each individual UASC’s project of social inclusion and integration is treated as a specific case. Some strategic features of the Palermo Model can be summarized as follows: a. **A tailor-made solution to be found for each boy/girl** as opposed to providing more general assistance”.

b. **A** **participatory process** designed for the main institutional stakeholders involved in the reception and care of the UASC to find these appropriate and tailor-made solutions.

c. **Monitoring** recognized as the instrument to drive the mechanism, which arises from the fundamental need to collect information in order to highlight positive and critical elements to be brought to the attention of the responsible institutional bodies.

d. **Access to ethno-psychological services** that meet the needs of survivors of traumatic experiences.

All the interviewees acknowledged the importance of the monitoring and support of the unit in enabling the system to function combined with the creation of the network of all stakeholders involved in the process of inclusion of the UASC. The USMT is the reference point for finding a solution to problems, receiving information and building networks.

The volunteer guardian can then count on a network, which supports him or her in referring critical issues to the competent bodies maintaining the objectivity of a super partes (an impartial) entity. The development of the Palermo model is based on triggering a virtuous path, enabled by the time and dedication of numerous persons.

Nevertheless, the model has several features that constitute important elements of replicability, given some basic conditions:

**•**    - the possibility for a volunteer guardian to refer to **a competent network for resolving emerging**

**problems,** which is crucial to creating a virtuous mechanism; the network begins and ends with the

needs and desires of the child;

**••** **mediation and problem-solving abilities,** which suggest that external support can be crucial

to finding solutions and solving conflicts. The proposed monitoring approach is a comprehensive approach in this regard;

**••** **institutional commitment** that provides viability, accountability and credibility to the model;

**••** **inter-institutional coordination** over time;

**•**    - the successful coexistence of actors with diverse areas of action/competencies and, within each

institution, the strong **multidisciplinary skills** of the people involved 68

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**At a crossroads. Unaccompanied and separated children in their transition to adulthood in Italy**

The Palermo model has been effectively replicated in other Sicilian contexts, in particular in Messina and Catania, although its implementation has been slowed down by the different levels of institutional coordination of all stakeholders.

**Case study on structured support to volunteer guardians (Sicily)**

**The responsibilities, actions and methods of intervention of each institutional entity have been**

**identified through an institutional working group, which initiated a process that lasted almost a**

**year and a half.** **[61]** **The group defined the role of the volunteer guardian, and drafted and signed a**

**protocol on the care and reception of UASC. The protocol outlines the process, its basic elements,**

**tools and objectives, such as: (i) implementation of tailor-made projects; (ii) establishment of a list of**

**volunteer guardians; and (iii) identification of critical issues and their solutions.**

**To support these objectives, a technical group was set up, composed of one member from each**

**institution involved, which is responsible for: (i) verifying the implementation of the protocol;**

**(ii) planning actions to achieve the objectives; (iii) evaluating the initiatives to be taken in the**

**development phase; and (iv) verifying and analysing the achieved results. The technical group**

**prepared and shared a profile of the volunteer guardian, drafted the tender for interested citizens,**

**agreed on the selection procedures, and prepared the contents of the training.**

**The selection was aimed at identifying the “right people, who are capable of assuming the role”, as**

**stated by the municipal Ombudsman during his interview, noting both the great responsibility that**

**this role will have and the risk of quitting during the mandate. He believed that this risk would**

**be reduced during the selection process, which was not provided for by Law No. 47/2017, but was**

**delegated to the guidelines of the national Ombudsperson for Children and Adolescents.**

**The Guardian support and monitoring unit was subsequently created at the office of the Municipal**

**Ombudsman to mainstream the process, highlight the critical issues and propose appropriate**

**solutions for UASC based on the acquisition of skills, autonomy and respect of their rights.**

69

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**Young refugees and local youth take part in a “FutbolNet” event to mark World Refugee Day**

**in Catania, Sicily, Italy (June 2018)**

© UNHCR/Alessio Mamo

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**At a crossroads. Unaccompanied and separated children in their transition to adulthood in Italy**

# **8. Conclusions**

The research has shed some light on the importance of understanding UASC’s transition to adulthood as a triple transition process that goes beyond age-based definitions: from the complex interweaving of biological, cognitive and socio-emotional changes that characterize adolescence, to the recognition of the evolving identity and choices that characterize a young person who migrates, and the management of the traumas caused during the journey or prior to the departure. Thus, the research has highlighted that it can be difficult and thus inappropriate to always maintain a straight line in terms of an age-based distinction between the rights and entitlements of UASC and UASC who have turned 18. From the study, a category of persons emerged who do not identify themselves either as children or as adults, but who have specific needs, requirements and profiles that must be considered through listening and direct involvement in the decisions that affect their lives (Art.

12 and 13 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child), a fundamental corollary of the principle of the best interests of the child (Art. 3 of the Convention).

Desires and expectations play a decisive role in this triple transition both before departure, when one's own expectations (finding better life opportunities, studying, escaping from violence) are often influenced by those of the family of origin, and upon arrival in Italy, when it is necessary to redefine them in order to adjust to the new situation (waiting for a residence permit and for the possible recognition of international protection, learning Italian, the fulfilment of the obligations to education and training). Girls and young women are more often pushed to leave the place of origin by circumstances beyond their control through deception and/or the choices of others, such as husbands and families.

From the analysis of the factors that facilitate the transition paths, what emerges is the prevalence of contextual, subjective and relational variables related to personal resources, agency and resilience of the UASC, and to formal and informal networks that are triggered – above all the ones that they are capable of triggering – once they arrive in Italy. The presence or absence of such conditions determines the range of opportunities available for them, in terms of social inclusion processes and once they have become adults.

**8.1 Factors that favour a good transition**

Law 47/2017 equips Italy with an advanced normative framework for the recognition of the rights and protection of UASC. This law reaffirms the absolute principle of non-refoulement of UASC, introduces new provisions on identification measures, provides for the creation of a social file for each UASC, and introduces the new role of the volunteer guardian as well as provisions to facilitate the realization of the right to education and health.

Article 13 is particularly important for the purposes of this research because it introduced the possibility for Juvenile Courts to place former UASC under continued protection by the social services until the age of 21, in order to allow them to complete the inclusion pathways already begun.

A successful transition to adulthood, social inclusion and recovery from past traumas are closely connected with the reception experience, whose benefits can be positively accrued. In the case of girls and young women, the inclusion in specific protection pathways and the strict rules attached to them may open up 71

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Input:
**Fondazione ISMU**

or hinder many opportunities for social inclusion. Formal and informal relationships – both with adults and between peers – play a fundamental role in UASCs’ and former UASC’s transition to adulthood. Since the beginning of the inclusion process, educators in the reception facilities (or teachers in the Italian language schools or CPIAs) are key. Also, volunteer guardians have a positive role, since they can help UASC liaise with the social context in which they are defining their transition pathway and continue to act as a reference person, also when the UASC turns 18. The Rome case study shows that the more adolescents create their own peer and family networks and contacts, the more possibilities they have to achieve positive pathways to a successful social inclusion.

UASC consider school and vocational training as a key step in their process of social inclusion. They demonstrate strong awareness and willingness to complete the educational and training courses, and the personal education plan (PEI) is a fundamental tool to build such pathways. Similarly, work grants are viewed positively as a bridge to access employment, which is crucial for both UASC and former UASC. With regard to the transition to independent living arrangements, the Milan case study highlights the importance of solutions linked to family contexts or to supervised or supported independence.

**8.2 Obstacles to a good transition**

The slow and complex procedures for obtaining documents are first crucial obstacle to a smooth transition for UASC asylum seekers. The long waiting time for a hearing by the Territorial Commission for the recognition of the international protection and to receive the outcome increase distrust as well as the risks associated with a possible drop-out from the reception system.

There is a very limited window of time for most UASC due to their age (16–17 years old) upon arrival in Italy to equip themselves with the necessary tools (literacy, obtaining a middle school certificate, technical and professional training) to become independent. The problem of non-recognition of professional skills acquired in the country of origin clearly emerges.

There are also limits to information and guidance on potential training and labour opportunities that would fulfil the rights of UASC and respect the best interests of the child. Young people are aware of the difficulties often related to the lack of a regular employment contract or to forms of discrimination in access to both labour and housing markets. Their confidence is also undermined, especially when they have experienced violence, exploitation, discrimination and racism. Regardless of the quality of the services provided by the reception facilities and the opportunities offered at the local level, these interlinked factors generate fears and frustrations, and even thwart all efforts and progress. There is the greatest risk of labour exploitation, irregular and/or illegal work when UASC leave the reception centres. When girls and boys drop out of the official system, they are at risk of becoming ‘invisible’ and hence more exposed to violence and abuse. In these cases, the research highlighted the importance of the informal support networks. The results show that the experiences of girls and young women are characterized by a strong dynamic related to GBV, even when not victims of trafficking. Yet, most of them show great resilience, fuelled by their desire and ability to overcome any difficulties. This can be facilitated by effective support networks and services, but may be limited when they are absent or inadequate.

In general, the research calls for a deeper analysis of gender issues in order to formulate a comprehensive view 72

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**At a crossroads. Unaccompanied and separated children in their transition to adulthood in Italy**

of the experience and needs of female UASC and former UASC. Moreover, it would be important to delve deeper into aspects that have only been marginally addressed by the research, such as knowledge of one’s own body and of hygiene principles, and the ability to manage relational and sexual dimensions in order to facilitate a more complete understanding of the needs and experiences of these girls and boys.

**8.3 Constraints and gaps of the system**

The following constraints and shortcomings have been found with regard to the legislation, governance and reception system concerning UASC’s path to social inclusion.

**8.3.1 Normative framework and its application**

Law 47/2017, two years after its approval, still lacks its implementing decrees as well as funding, which severely limits its impact. Some provisions remain to be defined, for example, on the UASC interview process, on the definition of residence permits and on age assessment procedures, and there are differences in application between and within regions. UASC and guardians are often not aware that UASC can access continued protection by social services until the age of 21, as per Art. 13 of the same law. With regard to this possibility, there might be issues related to a conflict of interest since it is the municipality that has to cover the costs of the continued protection, which can also include forms of reception. This limitation in its application is significant because it is the only measure foreseen by the Italian legislation to accompany UASC’s transition to adulthood.

Many UASC and former UASC leave their reception facilities to reach family members in other EU countries. Due to the slow and cumbersome system of family reunification under the Dublin III Regulation, in addition to the lack of clear information on the issue, some UASC prefer to transit through Italy and attempt to cross the northern borders, thus exposing themselves to risks related to irregular migration and relying, in some cases, on criminal networks. With the abolition of the residence permit for humanitarian protection (l.d.113/2018), UASC asylum seekers in Italy have been additionally negatively impacted since they lost one of the protections measures formerly provided by the Territorial Commissions. Finally, fragmented age assessment procedures also affect the proper protection of UASC.

**8.3.2 Governance and reception**

Due to the fragmented and territorially diverse system of governance and functioning of the reception system, UASC are kept in a state of uncertainty and experience difficulty in identifying and realizing their own pathways of transition to adulthood. The research highlights the fragmented nature of the reception system in terms of organization and type of facilities, as well as of the quality of the services provided. Difficulties also emerge in scaling up well-established positive experiences such as that of the AMIF first-level reception facilities for UASC. The impact of the local context on UASC's transition to adulthood is significant, both in terms of the quality of the services offered by the reception facility and of what is offered at the local level once the transition to semi- or complete autonomy has taken place (e.g. in terms of work, housing and socio 73

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**Fondazione ISMU**

economic opportunities). The lack of a central system for the distribution of UASC throughout the country that takes into account their needs and geographical disparities in the quality of the provided assistance is one of the factors that can lead to their dropping out from reception facilities in the most isolated areas in the southern regions of Italy and move to the large cities of central and northern Italy.

**8.3.3 Social inclusion**

With regard to educational and training courses, a major issue relates to the time available to reach a number of milestones, such as the attainment of level A2 in Italian, or a middle school degree before turning 18. It emerges that the fundamental need for education may paradoxically become an obstacle that slows down the transition to autonomy if delayed. In addition, due to significant geographical differences, the school system is not always able to guarantee the rights to equal access and attendance to education provided for by relevant national regulations and guidelines. The lack of assessment of literacy and numeracy skills as well as the lack of recognition of the studies completed and of the professional skills attained in the country of origin clearly also emerge; together with the unequal geographical distribution in professional paths and of orientation services available negatively affects the interests and needs of UASC across Italy.

Upon turning 18, becoming legal becomes an essential requirement not only for job placement, but also for housing independence. The limits in accessing the housing market related to the phenomenon of prejudice or discrimination or to lack of a regular work contract, creates a state of uncertainty that generates anxiety among UASC who have just turned 18 and even forces them to opt for housing solutions that are not completely legal or are not conducive to social inclusion.

**8.3.4 Data availability**

The research revealed a number of gaps in the availability and management of data on UASC and former UASC, which prevents a comprehensive overview of the paths of this category of young people as they arrive in Italy.

Although there is a systematic and centralized data collection on UASC through the Central Information System for UASC (SIM), important gaps remain regarding, inter alia _:_

**••** **residence permits for UASC** issued by local police stations and their conversion into other forms of

permits when they turn 18;

**••** **applications and outcomes of asylum applications** made by UASC, the granting of other types of

residence permits (such as for special cases or medical treatment);

**••** **the presence of UASC in the catch-up schools (CPIA);**

**•**    - the new **system of volunteer guardians** that can complement the information already collected

within the SIM;

**••** **UASC benefiting from foster care;**

**•**    - and the **presence of UASC in reception facilities.**

Moreover, there is currently no authority responsible for collecting data on former UASC.

74

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**At a crossroads. Unaccompanied and separated children in their transition to adulthood in Italy**

# **9. Recommendations**

_**For the Italian authorities**_ GOVERNANCE AND COORDINATION

**•**    - Ensure that greater **attention is focused on the specific needs** of young people who arrived in Italy

as UASC, and **especially former UASC who turned 18 after 2016,** by adopting relevant policies that reflect the multiplicity and complexity of the processes of triple transition to adulthood beyond the age definitions (see EU Youth Strategy 2030);

**•**    - Ensure effective **coordination at the national and local levels between institutions** that are

responsible for issues regarding UASC and young people, inter alia _,_ youth policies, training and education, social policies, employment, health, equal opportunities and justice, allowing for harmonious planning and proper implementation of legislation and standards;

**•**    - Develop an **inter-sectoral strategy** with the involvement of CSOs, which includes multi-year planning,

and human, technical and financial resources required to increase the opportunities for social inclusion of former UASC, and ensures attention to the bearers of specific needs, and strengthen resources and capabilities.

NORMATIVE FRAMEWORK AND ITS APPLICATION

**•**    - Ensure the **effective and full enactment of Law 47/2017 and the adoption of its implementation**

**decrees,** in line with European and international standards, and involving United Nations agencies and

civil society actors in the process;

**•**    - Adopt explicit exemptions for UASC related to the security measures introduced by Law 132/2018,

with a view to facilitating their transition to adulthood;

**•**    - Ensure full respect for the **best interests of the child** through the adoption of procedures that respect

international standards and that are uniform throughout the country, taking into consideration gender differences;

**•**    - Fully implementing Article 9 of Law 47/2017, for the systematic and effective **adoption the cartella**

**sociale** (social file); [62]

**•**    - Ensure a smooth transition to adulthood starting from a prompt and correct identification of UASC,

through the use of, if necessary, a multi-disciplinary and **holistic procedure for age assessment** that meets international standards and the principles set out in Law 47/2017 and DPCM 324/2016, including gender considerations. In addition, resume the process of consultation with CSOs and United Nations agencies regarding the relevant standard protocol; 75

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**Fondazione ISMU**

**•**    - Ensure the full implementation of Article 17 of Law 47/2017 through the definition of a specific **assistance**

**programme for UASC victims of trafficking** that ensures adequate conditions of reception and

psychosocial, health and legal assistance, providing long-term solutions, even after they reach adulthood;

**•**    - Ensure every UASC has a **volunteer guardian** and that the guardian is adequately trained and able

to respond to his/her specific needs, even during the phase of transition to adulthood. Replicate the Palermo Model as a good practice of support and monitoring for volunteer guardians;

**•**    - Ensure the prompt issuance of the **residence permit for UASC** in order to allow immediate access to

the rights and services recognized by law.

RECEPTION AND SERVICES

**•**    - Ensure that the current phase of **transition to the new SIPROIMI reception system** is carried out so

as to guarantee uniformity throughout the national territory, respect for international standards, and care of young migrants and refugees in the transition phase. This will be achieved both by ensuring the reception of former UASC placed under the continued protection by social services in accordance with Article 13 of Law 47/2017 and by assessing the situations of persons with specific needs;

**•**    - Guarantee a similar level of **standards in the reception facilities** that are not part of the SIPROIMI

system, both for UASC and former UASC, in order to avoid unequal treatment and to offer similar opportunities, by, inter alia, creating the conditions for mitigating any risks, including gender-related risks that may arise from leaving the reception facility;

**•**    - Ensure consistent and adequate **training of professionals involved in the reception system,** including

cultural mediators, to effectively respond to the needs of UASC and those turning 18, deepening their knowledge in areas of specific expertise, such as the right to participation, and intercultural skills, sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and reproductive health;

**•**    - Guarantee a **monitoring system of international and Italian standards** in order to ensure their

compliance within the entire reception system, irrespective of the type of accommodation;

**•**    - Consolidate and disseminate the **good practices** recorded and achieved during the course of the AMIF

first-line reception design;

**•**    - Ensure that UASC, their guardians and the social services are **aware** of the possibility of requesting

from the Judicial Authority **continued protection by the social services up to the age of 21** in accordance with Article 13 of Law 47/2017. In addition, ensure that these services are provided with adequate human, technical and financial resources to protect the former UASC;

**•**    - Ensure that all UASC and former UASC at risk of – or vulnerable because they have experienced –

situations of violence, including sexual violence, torture or other traumas related to travel or the reasons behind departure, victims of trafficking and people with mental distress can benefit from **psychosocial**

**intervention measures of prevention or response,** appropriate to their age, gender and cultural

specifity. It is recommended that these measures – whether within special reception facilities or at specialized external services – be aimed at the social inclusion of young people and be maintained for the period necessary for a full recovery to avoid the risk of re-exploitation or re-victimization. It is therefore 76

A dataset, survey, database, index, census, registry, or information system with a specific proper name that can be cited, queried, or downloaded as a data source

A data source described by its characteristics or producer rather than a proper name, containing a data noun and at least one identifying descriptor

A general reference to data, information, or statistics that contains a data noun but lacks enough specificity to identify the exact source


Input:
**At a crossroads. Unaccompanied and separated children in their transition to adulthood in Italy**

recommended that these measures not be interrupted for any reason when they turn 18;

**•**    - Promote safe and appropriate **family or community-based alternative care** arrangements, as well as

supervised independent housing solutions, as highlighted by the case study in Lombardy. Municipalities must be provided with adequate human, technical and financial resources to raise awareness and promote and implement these initiatives;

**•**    - Ensure that, in choosing to continue benefiting from reception after the age of 18, adequate

consideration is given to the need to guarantee **geographical proximity** in order to maintain existing social and community links UASC may have already established where they have lived until age 18;

**•**    - Ensure young people’s **access to all relevant information** relating to, inter alia, their rights and

obligations, including all available legal channels, opportunities for social inclusion, and ways of accessing services. This information should take into account specific age, gender, maturity and developmental needs as well as cultural references.

SOCIAL, EDUCATIONAL AND EMPLOYMENT INCLUSION

**•**    - Standardize and expand procedures for the **assessment of** professional **skills,** literacy and numeracy

skills and ‘soft skills’ acquired in the countries of origin, including introducing and adopting of user friendly tools that enable regular updating of these skills by young migrants and refugees themselves.

**•**    - Accelerate the procedures for the **recognition of qualifications obtained abroad** through the Ministry

of Foreign Affairs and Embassies for the subsequent assessment of qualifications;

**•**    - Ensure **access to training and vocational courses and opportunities** such as work grants, internships

and apprenticeships for former UASC, and to local opportunities, including through the provision of effective information;

**•**    - Facilitate the **access** of UASC and young migrants and refugees who turned 18 **to the job market** by

strengthening the **cooperation** between the reception system and employment offices;

**•**    - Take into due consideration the specific needs for gender-related support and assistance in employment

and education; for example, parenting responsibility that girls and young women often have to assume.

This includes access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services;

**•**    - Combine training and professional **opportunities with life skills-building courses,** improvement of

Italian language skills and continuous job market guidance;

**•**    - Promote opportunities to **work related learning** and **first-level apprenticeship** pathways as envisaged

by the law in view of the challenges posed by the obligation to complete schooling;

**•**    - Clarify that a child holding a residence permit for UASC is **authorized to work** within the limits set out

by the law;

**•**    - Promote preventive interventions, including adequate **information** provision, for former UASC

**regarding labour legislation** in Italy and the risks associated with inclusion in informal and illegal

circuits, including trafficking and sexual exploitation;

**•**    - Re-introduce the participation of former UASC in the **civic service** pathways and enhance or expand

other volunteering opportunities; 77

A dataset, survey, database, index, census, registry, or information system with a specific proper name that can be cited, queried, or downloaded as a data source

A data source described by its characteristics or producer rather than a proper name, containing a data noun and at least one identifying descriptor

A general reference to data, information, or statistics that contains a data noun but lacks enough specificity to identify the exact source


Input:
**Fondazione ISMU**

**•**    - Ensure participation in social and recreational activities, which are fundamental for personal development

and interaction within the local context, such as **sports and artistic and entertainment activities;**

**•**    - Increase the opportunities for **meetings and exchanges between young migrants and refugees**

**and their peers,** through strengthening of support to youth centres. Promote peer support in access

to rights, basic services and knowledge of the area where they live;

**•**    - Develop a new **National Action Plan against Racism, Xenophobia and Discrimination,**

strengthening the networks of anti-discrimination centres, paying specific attention to gender dynamics, promoting interreligious dialogue at the community level and including these issues in civic education teaching in schools.

DATA COLLECTION AND MANAGEMENT

**•**    - **Improve the data collection system,** harmonizing existing databases and ensuring that all information

is collected and manageable, as recently noted by the Committee on the Rights of the Child in its Concluding Comments to Italy in 2019. This will be achieved by, inter alia, disaggregating data by age, gender, disability, geographical location, ethnic and national origin, legal status, protection and socio economic status in order to facilitate the analysis of the situation of all UASC and thus improve the protection system;

**•**    - **Link the social files and the data collection system (SIM)** so as to optimize resources and information

in order to better protect the child;

**•**    - Create a mechanism for **collecting data on former UASC** that complements the information already

collected within UASC data collection systems and that involves:

-- the MOI, ANCI and SIPROIMI, which are responsible for the reception system, for both UASC and

adults;

-- the MLSP, which is responsible for the census and monitoring of the presence of UASC and for

policies the pertaining to the socio-economic inclusion of UASC and former UASC;

-- the Juvenile Courts, particularly with regard to the implementation of Article 13 of Law 47/2017;

-- the Department of Equal Opportunities at the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, particularly

with regard to the anti-trafficking plan;

-- the National Ombudsman for Childhood and Adolescence;

-- the MOE on the continuity of schooling upon reaching adulthood.

_**For the European Union**_

**•**    - Ensure **rapid and effective procedures for family reunification** starting from a systematic, timely

and correct implementation of the Dublin Regulation, through the adoption of uniform and appropriate procedures, particularly with regard to age assessment and family reunification;

**•**    - Ensure effective cooperation between Member States securing **full and effective respect of the**

**principle of the best interests of the child** by, inter alia, adopting harmonized and appropriate

78

social files and the data collection system

A dataset, survey, database, index, census, registry, or information system with a specific proper name that can be cited, queried, or downloaded as a data source

A data source described by its characteristics or producer rather than a proper name, containing a data noun and at least one identifying descriptor

A general reference to data, information, or statistics that contains a data noun but lacks enough specificity to identify the exact source


Input:
**At a crossroads. Unaccompanied and separated children in their transition to adulthood in Italy**

procedures in line with the General Comment of the Committee of the Rights of the Child, No. 14;

**•**    - Set up a harmonized and exhaustive **data collection system** that **strengthens protection mechanisms**

**for UASC,** for example, by facilitating their tracing within the EU, and enables continuity in protection

interventions across European states, maintaining all procedural safeguards, including the informed consent of the child. This may help to mitigate the risks of prolonged exposure to violence and abuse inherent in onward movements;

**•**    - Ensure that Member States **safeguard the rights and opportunities of young refugees** in transition

to adulthood through improvement of their legal framework and promotion of comprehensive interdisciplinary co-operation between institutions in areas such as child protection, youth, health, education, social protection or welfare, migration, justice and gender equality, taking into consideration, drawing from and providing effective implementation to the Recommendation CM/Rec (2019)4 of the Committee of Ministers to Member States on supporting young refugees in transition to adulthood, adopted by the Committee of Ministers on 24 April 2019, at the 1344th meeting of the Ministers' Deputies. [63] _**For civil society**_

**•**    - Continue to foster and increase the **opportunities for meeting and interaction between UASC**

**and former UASC, the resident population and their peers** in order to nurture formal and informal

relationships in the transition to adulthood and to combat discrimination, racism and xenophobia;

**•**    - Continue to experiment – by documenting, monitoring and evaluating – **innovative and alternative**

**interventions** for young migrants and refugees (former UASC) such as supervised independent living,

family or community housing solutions. Also promote and expand activities promoting UASC and former UASC participation, such as those carried out in various kinds of youth centres;

**•**    - Continue to provide **support to UASC and former UASC,** with a focus on those with special needs,

including survivors of SGBV, through the management of specialized services and in collaboration with the public authorities;

**•**    - Promote the **participation of young migrants and refugees,** by, inter alia, encouraging the active

inclusion of girls in associations in order to contribute actively to society, defend their rights, and make their voices and opinions heard by influencing decisions on policies that affect them.

79

A dataset, survey, database, index, census, registry, or information system with a specific proper name that can be cited, queried, or downloaded as a data source

A data source described by its characteristics or producer rather than a proper name, containing a data noun and at least one identifying descriptor

A general reference to data, information, or statistics that contains a data noun but lacks enough specificity to identify the exact source


Input:
**O. (left), 17 years old, from Senegal, jokes around with one of his housemates at a piazza**

**in the small village of Naro, in Sicily, Italy. He has been in Italy for about two years (December 2018)**

© UNICEF/UN0264446/Stefano De Luigi

A dataset, survey, database, index, census, registry, or information system with a specific proper name that can be cited, queried, or downloaded as a data source

A data source described by its characteristics or producer rather than a proper name, containing a data noun and at least one identifying descriptor

A general reference to data, information, or statistics that contains a data noun but lacks enough specificity to identify the exact source


Input:
**Fondazione ISMU**

# **References**

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**Amaturo E., Punziano G.** (2016) I mixed methods nella ricerca sociale, Carocci Editore, Roma.

**Ambrosini M.** (2011) Sociologia delle migrazioni, il Mulino, Bologna.

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161-174.

**Appadurai A.** (2011) Le aspirazioni nutrono la democrazia, Et Al, Milano.

**Augelli, A.,** **Lombi, L., Triani, P.** (2018) Unaccompanied Minors: Exploring Needs and Resources to Plan Socio-educational

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**Bichi R.** (2002) L’intervista Biografica. Una proposta metodologica, Vita e Pensiero, Milano.

**Bimbi F.** (2011) Genere e violenza al tempo delle migrazioni globalizzate, in Balsamo F., World Wide Women: Globalizzazione,

Generi, Linguaggi, Vol.2, CIRSDe, Università degli Studi di Torino, Torino.

**Bourdieu P.,** **Wacquant L. J. D.** (1992) Risposte per un’antropologia riflessiva, Bollati Boringhieri, Torino.

**Buzzi C.,** **Cavalli A., de Lillo A.** (a cura di) (2002) Giovani del nuovo secolo. Quinto rapporto Iard sulla condizione giovanile in

Italia, il Mulino, Bologna.

**Cedefop** (2014) Vocational Educational Training in Italy. Cedefop. Luxemburg publication Office of the European Union.

**Cesareo V., Bichi R.** (2010) Per un'integrazione possibile. Periferie urbane e processi migratori, FrancoAngeli, Milano.

**CIRDI Centro di Informazione su Razzismo e Discriminazioni in Italia – COSPE** (2014) La discriminazione nell’accesso

all’alloggio. Analisi del settore pubblico e privato, disponibile a: http://www.integrazionemigranti.gov.it/Documenti-e-ricerche/ Ricerca-accesso-allalloggio-CIRDI.pdf

**Creswell J. W.,** **Plano Clark V. L.** (2011) Designing and conducting mixed methods research, SAGE, Thousand Oaks, CA.

**D’Agostino M.** (a cura di) (2018) La Forza delle lingue, nella migrazione e nella inclusione. Strumenti e Ricerche Scuola di

Lingua Italiana per Stranieri dell’Università di Palermo, Palermo.

**Demaria C.** (2016) Intersezionalità e femminismo transnazionale tra costruttivismo, post-strutturalismo e ‘performance’

epistemologiche, in Scienza & Politica, vol. XXVIII, 54, pp. 71-85, disponibile a https://scienzaepolitica.unibo.it/article/ download/6219/5987

**Erickson H. E.** (1998) The life cycle completed, W. W. Norton e Company, New York.

**Ferri G. et al.** (2017) Abitare Collaborativo: percorsi di coesione sociale per un nuovo welfare di comunità, in Techne, 14, pp.

125-138, disponibile a: http://www.fupress.com/techneDOI: 10.13128/Techne-20804.

**Fondazione ISMU** (2019) Alunni con background migratorio in Italia. Emergenze e traguardi, disponibile a: http://www.ismu.

org/alunni-con-background-migratorio-in-italia-emergenze-e-traguardi

**FRA and AGIA** Fundamental Rights Agency & Agenzia Garante Infanzia e Adolescenza (2018) Guardianship for Unaccompanied

Children in Italy, disponibile a: https://fra.europa.eu/sites/default/files/fra_uploads/fra-2018-it-guardianship-legal-update_en.pdf

**Garante Infanzia Adolescenza** (2018) Il Modello Palermo. La presa in carico delle ragazze e dei ragazzi stranieri non

accompagnati, Comune di Palermo.

**Giddens A.** (1992) Central Problems in Social Theory: Actions, Structure and Contradiction in Social Analysis, Berkeley,

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**Hansen T.H, McIntire W.G.** (1989) Family Structure Variables as Predictors of Educational and Vocational Aspirations of High

School Seniors, in Research in Rural Education, 6(2), pp. 39-49.

**IOM** (2017a) Migrant Vulnerability to Human Trafficking and Exploitation: Evidence from the Central and Eastern Mediterranean

Migration Routes, Ginevra, disponibile a: http://publications.iom.int/system/files/pdf/migrant_vulnerability_to_human_ trafficking_and_exploitation.pdf

**IOM** (2017b) La tratta di esseri umani lungo la rotta del Mediterraneo Centrale - dati, storie e informazioni raccolte

dall’Organizzazione Internazionale per le Migrazioni, Roma, disponibile a: https://italy.iom.int/sites/default/files/documents/ OIM_Rapporto%20tratta_2017.pdf 82

A dataset, survey, database, index, census, registry, or information system with a specific proper name that can be cited, queried, or downloaded as a data source

A data source described by its characteristics or producer rather than a proper name, containing a data noun and at least one identifying descriptor

A general reference to data, information, or statistics that contains a data noun but lacks enough specificity to identify the exact source


Input:
**At a crossroads. Unaccompanied and separated children in their transition to adulthood in Italy**

**IOM (2019)** Profiles and reported vulnerabilities of migrants along the Eastern, Central and Western Mediterranean routes,

disponibile a: https://migration.iom.int/europe?type=arrivals

**Lushey C.J., Munro E.R.** (2014) Participatory peer research methodology: an effective method for obtaining young people’s

perspectives on transitions from care to adulthood?, in Qualitative Social Work, 14(4), pp. 522-537.

**Masini E.** (2000) Penser le Futur, Dunod, Paris.

**MLPS** (2019) Report mensili Minori Stranieri Non Accompagnati in Italia, disponibili a: https://www.lavoro.gov.it/temi-e
priorita/immigrazione/focus-on/minori-stranieri/Pagine/Dati-minori-stranieri-non-accompagnati.aspx

**MIUR, AGIA** (2017) Linee Guida per il diritto allo studio degli alunni e delle alunne fuori dalla famiglia di origine.

**Morgan D.L.,** **Kruger R.A.** (eds) (1998) The Focus Group Kit, SAGE, Thousand Oaks, CA.

**O’Leary Z.** (2004) Guide to Doing Research, SAGE, London.

**OXFAM** (2017) You aren’t human any more. Migrants expose the harrowing situation in Libya and the impact of European

policies, disponibile a https://www-cdn.oxfam.org/s3fs-public/file_attachments/mb-migrants-libya-europe-090817-en.pdf

**PAHO - Pan American Health Organization** (2005) Youth: Choices and Change. Promoting Healthy Behaviors in Adolescents,

disponibile a http://iris.paho.org/xmlui/handle/123456789/708

**Save the Children** (2019) Children Come First. Intervento in Frontiera. Dossier I Minori Migranti In Arrivo Via Mare. Dossier

I-VII, 2017-19.

**Sayad A.** (2002) La doppia assenza. Dalle illusioni dell’emigrato alle sofferenze dell’immigrato, Raffaello Cortina Editore,

Milano.

**Segatto B., Di Masi D., Surian A** . (2018) L’ingiusta distanza. I percorsi dei minori stranieri non accompagnati dall’accoglienza

alla cittadinanza, FrancoAngeli, Milano.

**SPRAR, ANCI, MdI** (2017) Atlante SPRAR In Migrazione. Accoglienza e Rifugiati: un’ordinaria emergenza, disponibile a:

https://www.sprar.it/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Atlante-Sprar-2017_Light.pdf

**Terres des Hommes** (2017) Guida al Modello Faro: Salute Mentale e Supporto Psicosociale a minori migranti non accompagnati

e a famiglie con bambini in prima accoglienza, disponibile a https://terredeshommes.it/dnload/GuidaFARO-2017.pdf

**UNHCR** (2018) Desperate journey Refugees and migrants arriving in Europe and at Europe's borders, disponibile a: https://

data2.unhcr.org/en/documents/download/65373#_ga=2.230793311.1765494779.1537607900-1572128613.1533314743

**UNICEF** (2011) The State of The World’s Children 2011. Adolescence. An age of opportunity, disponibile a https://www.

unicef.org/sowc2011/pdfs/SOWC-2011-Main-Report_EN_02092011.pdf

**UNICEF** (2017a) The Adolescent Brain: A second window of opportunity. A Compendium, disponibile a https://www.unicef
irc.org/publications/pdf/adolescent_brain_a_second_window_of_opportunity_a_compendium.pdf

**UNICEF** (2017b) A deadly journey for children. The Central Mediterranean Migration Route, disponibile a https://www.unicef.

org/publications/files/EN_UNICEF_Central_Mediterranean_Migration.pdf

**UNICEF & CNR** (2017) Sperduti. Storie di minorenni arrivati soli in Italia, disponibile a https://www.unicef.it/Allegati/Bambini_

Sperduti.pdf

**UNICEF & IOM** (2017) Harrowing Journeys. Children and youth on the move across the Mediterranean Sea, at risk of

trafficking and exploitation, disponibile a https://www.unicef.org/publications/files/Harrowing_Journeys_Children_and_youth_ on_the_move_across_the_Mediterranean.pdf

**UNICEF & MDM** Médecins du Monde (2018) Enea. Manuale operative per la presa in carico psicosociale dei minori stranieri

non accompagnati, disponibile a https://issuu.com/medecinsdumonde/docs/enea-manuale_operativo

**UNICEF & REACH** (2017) Children on the move in Italy and Greece. Report June 2017, disponibile a https://www.unicef.org/

eca/media/921/file/REACH%20report%202017.pdf

**United Nations** (2018) Desperate and Dangerous: Report on the human rights situation of migrants and refugees in Libya,

disponibile a: https://unsmil.unmissions.org/sites/default/files/libya-migration-report-18dec2018.pdf

**U-Report on the Move** (2018) Conoscenza e servizi sulla violenza sessuale, disponibile a: https://onthemove.ureport.in/

poll/3293/

**Women’s Refugee Commission** (2019) More Than One Million Pains: Sexual Violence Against Men and Boys on the

Central Mediterranean Route to Italy, disponibile a https://www.womensrefugeecommission.org/images/zdocs/Libya-Italy Report-03-2019.pdf For all of the references, 4 July 2019 was the latest access.

83

A dataset, survey, database, index, census, registry, or information system with a specific proper name that can be cited, queried, or downloaded as a data source

A data source described by its characteristics or producer rather than a proper name, containing a data noun and at least one identifying descriptor

A general reference to data, information, or statistics that contains a data noun but lacks enough specificity to identify the exact source


Input:
**Fondazione ISMU**

# **Glossary**

**Absconded** - the MLSP defines the term ‘absconded’ as an UASC who was registered as such upon arrival and insertion in the

reception system of a given country, but who subsequently left the reception facility in which he or she are hosted. UASC are reported as absconded, competent authorities inform Directorate General for Immigration and Integration Policies of the MLSP.

They remain absconded until they are found in Italy or reach the age of 18.

**Adolescent** - According to the United Nations, an adolescent is defined as any individual between the ages of 10 and 19. [64]

**Best interests of the child** - The best interests of the child is one of the fundamental values of the United Nations Convention

on the Rights of the Child (CRC). Article 3(1) of the CRC, states “In all actions concerning children, whether undertaken by public or private social welfare institutions, courts of law, administrative authorities or legislative bodies, the best interests of the child shall be a primary consideration”. [65]

**Child/children** - The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989) defines a child as every human being below

the age of eighteen years unless under the law applicable to the child, majority is attained earlier (Article 1). [66]

**Former UASC** - For the purposes of this study, former UASC are individuals who, at the time of the interview, had already

reached the age of 18, but who came to Italy as children and were registered as UASC upon their arrival in Italy. This definition was developed for the specific purposes of the research.

**Gender-based violence** - Term that includes any harmful act perpetrated against the will of the person and based on socially

ascribed differences between men and women (such as gender). It includes acts inflicted physically, sexually, mental harm or suffering, threats of such acts, coercion and other forms of deprivation of liberty. These acts may occur in public or private.

The term ‘GBV’ is most commonly used to emphasize how the systemic disparity between males and females, which exists in every society in the world, acts as a unifying and fundamental feature of many forms of violence perpetrated against women and girls. [67]

**Sexual and gender-based violence** refers to any act perpetrated against the will of the person and based on gender norms and

an asymmetrical relationship of power. It includes threats of violence and coercion. It may be physical, emotional, psychological or sexual in nature and may take the form of a denial of resources or access to services. It is inflicted on women, girls, boys and men. [68]

**Humanitarian protection** - This form of protection was governed by the previous Article 5(6) of Legislative Decree no. 286/1998

to respond to protection needs based on serious reasons “particularly of a humanitarian nature or arising from constitutional or international obligations of Italy as a State” (www.camera.it/parlam/leggi/deleghe/98286dl.htm) and subsequently repealed by l.d. 113/2018.

**Participation** - The right to participate and to be heard is one of the fundamental principles affirmed by the United Nations

Convention on the Rights of the Child, Article 12, which states that the State Parties “shall assure to the child who is capable of forming his or her own views the right to freely express those views freely in all matters affecting the child, the views of the child being given due weight in accordance with the age and maturity of the child. For this purpose, the child shall in particular be provided the opportunity to be heard in any judicial or administrative proceedings affecting the direct, either directly or through a representative or an appropriate body, in a manner consistent with the procedural rules of national law”. [69]

**Prosieguo Amministrativo** - Term commonly used to refer to the possibility governed by Article 13 of Law 47/2017

under which when UASC, at the age of majority, despite having undertaken a pathway of social inclusion, needs continued protection until age 21. The Juvenile Court may order, even at the request of social services, with a motivated decree, that he/she is to be placed in the custody of the social services, however not later than the age of 21 (www.gazzettaufficiale.it/eli/ id/2017/04/21/17G00062/sg).

**Refugee status** - The term ‘refugee’ applies to any person who, as a result of events occurring before 1 January 1951 and

owing to well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion is outside his country of nationality and is unable or, owing to such fear, unwilling to avail himself of such protection; or who, having a nationality and being outside the country of his former habitual residence as a result of such 84

A dataset, survey, database, index, census, registry, or information system with a specific proper name that can be cited, queried, or downloaded as a data source

A data source described by its characteristics or producer rather than a proper name, containing a data noun and at least one identifying descriptor

A general reference to data, information, or statistics that contains a data noun but lacks enough specificity to identify the exact source


Input:
**At a crossroads. Unaccompanied and separated children in their transition to adulthood in Italy**

events, is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to return to it. (Article 1A of the Geneva Refugee Convention https://www.

unhcr.org/3b66c2aa10)

**Residence permit for family reasons** - Governed by Article 10 (1), letter b) of Law 47/2017 under which the Questore (Chief

of Police) issues a residence permit for family reasons for a child of 14 years of age who is entrusted, also pursuant to Article 9(4) of Law 184/1983 and subsequent amendments, or who is subject to the protection of an Italian citizen living with him/her, or for a child over 14 years of age who is entrusted, also pursuant to the same Article 9(4), of Law 184/1983 and subsequent amendments, or subject to the protection of a foreigner residing legally in the national territory or of an Italian citizen living with him/her.

**Residence permit for UASC** - Governed by Article 10(1), letter a) of Law 47/2017 under which the Questore issues a residence

permit for minor age in the case of UASC, found in the national territory and reported to the competent authorities. The residence permit for UASC is issued, at the request of the minor himself/herself, directly or through those who exercise parental responsibility, even before the appointment of a guardian pursuant to Article 346 of the Civil Code, and is valid until the age of majority. [70]

**Secondary movements** - The phenomenon of migrants, including refugees and asylum seekers, who for various reasons

move from their first country of arrival to seek protection or permanent resettlement elsewhere. This movement takes place without the prior consent of the national authorities, without an entry visa, without or with insufficient travel documents among those normally required, or with false documents. [71]

**Special cases** - Residence permits governed by the Testo Unico sull’ Immigrazione (Legislative Decree 286/1998) to meet the

temporary needs for the protection of foreigners in humanitarian need. Some residence permits for special cases – residence permits for medical treatment (Article 19, para.2, letter d-bis TUI), for disasters (Article 20) and for acts of particular civic value (Article 42) – were introduced by l.d.113/2018, while the other permits were already provided for by the previous regime, and the new legislation has only changed the name and/or completed the discipline. [72]

**Special protection** - The residence permit was introduced by Article 1(2) of l.d.113/2018 to protect foreigners who cannot be

rejected, expelled or extradited to a State if there are reasonable grounds for considering that that person risks being subjected to torture, also taking into account the existence in that State of systematic and serious violations of human rights under Article 19(1.1) of Legislative Decree 286/1998.

**Subsidiary protection** - One of the forms of international protection from which non-EU foreigners, including UASC, may

benefit, who has applied for international protection, governed by EU law (Directive 2011/95/EC – Qualification Directive – Recast). Persons eligible for subsidiary protection are all third-country nationals or stateless persons who do not qualify as a refugee but in respect of whom there are substantive reasons to believe that the person concerned, if returned to his or her country of origin, or in the case of a stateless person, to his or her country of former habitual residence, would face a real risk of suffering serious harm. For this purpose, ‘serious harm’ consists of: (i) the death penalty or execution; or (ii) torture or inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment of an applicant in the country of origin; or (iii) serious and individual threat to a civilian’s life or person by reason of indiscriminate violence in situations of international or internal armed conflict.

**Territorial Commission** - These are Commissions for the recognition of international protection, administrative authorities

tasked with examining applications for international protection submitted by foreigners. The composition, tasks and procedures of the Territorial Commissions are regulated by Legislative Decree 25/2008.

**Trafficking** - Article 3(a) of the United Nations Additional Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons,

Especially Women and Children supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (2000) defines trafficking as “the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of persons by means of the threat or use of force or other forms of coercion, of abduction, of fraud of deception of the abuse of power or a position of vulnerability or of the giving or receiving payments or benefits to achieve the consent of a person having control over another person, for the purpose of exploitation.” Trafficking in persons may take place within the borders of a State or may be transnational.

**Unaccompanied and separated children (UASC)** - According to Article 2 of Law 47/2017, an UASC is a minor who does not

have Italian nationality or the nationality of a European Union Member State, who is for any reason present on the territory of the state or otherwise under Italian jurisdiction, who is without care and representation by his or her parents or other adults legally responsible for him or her according to Italian legislation. [73] 85

A dataset, survey, database, index, census, registry, or information system with a specific proper name that can be cited, queried, or downloaded as a data source

A data source described by its characteristics or producer rather than a proper name, containing a data noun and at least one identifying descriptor

A general reference to data, information, or statistics that contains a data noun but lacks enough specificity to identify the exact source


Input:
**Fondazione ISMU**

**Young people/youth** - According to the United Nations, “young people” are individuals between the ages of ten and 24,

while “youth” are those between the ages of 15 and 24 (see A/36/215 and resolution 36/28, 1981). Depending on the context of reference, broader age ranges up to 30 years are taken into account. For example, to produce comparative statistics for all Member States, the European Commission uses an age range between 15 and 29 years (https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/ youth). For the purpose of the report the term young people was used.

# **Annexes**

**Box 1 – Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) first-level reception facilities**

Established by the Ministry of the Interior by Ministerial Decree 1.09.2016 and financed by the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) 2014–2020, the highly specialized governmental facilities – the FAMI centres in Italian – for the needs of immediate protection and assistance, provide adequate child-friendly reception services to UASC through socio educational activities and participation activities, information, protection and legal and socio-psychological advice. FAMI's design follows the reform of the reception system, which began in 2014 and was regulated and formalized by Legislative Decree 142/2015 and subsequent amendments, to respond to the constant increase in arrivals of UASC, and to better and more holistically respond to their needs, with a first piloting phase of the system.

FAMI's design is innovative in several respects: it includes important criteria, such as a multidisciplinary approach and coordinated and complementary support provided by specialized agents, and has introduced and experimented good practices, testing and consolidating innovations introduced by Law No. 47/2017, such as, for example, the social file. The first phase of the reception process, scheduled for a maximum of 30 days (as provided by the Legislative Decree 142/2015, amended by Law 47/2017), is carried out by multidisciplinary teams with the support of partner agencies (IOM, UNHCR, Save the Children, INMP, ANCI – Central Service), in the first-line reception of the UASC, ensuring the respect of his/her fundamental rights, with particular reference to the principle of the best interests of the child and through a holistic approach of ad hoc protection and coordination with local institutions and entities. Initially tasked to provide reception in 27 reception projects for a total of 1,350 locations across the country, to date there are eight operational projects located in Sicily and Molise for a total of 200 places.

Despite this recent reorganization following the decrease in arrivals, over the years the system has been able to guarantee protection and support of children in their choice of the most suitable legal status or inclusion process. This includes the application for international protection, family reunification or family fostering aimed at his/her protection and at achieving autonomy and self-awareness in line with his/her higher interest, needs and wishes. Actions include the involvement of the guardian, the application for a residence permit and support for age assessment, the referral of particularly vulnerable cases to specific institutions and local authorities and the multidisciplinary use of the social file. Several operational tools were developed and tested during project implementation, such as the Guidelines for first-line reception facilities containing Standard Operating Procedures for the assessment of the best interests of the child and the Standard Operating Procedures concerning information and legal support for the application for international protection of UASC hosted in first reception facilities. Particular attention was paid to the participatory activities for UASC, with for example, the participatory development of information tools for UASC, and to the sustainability of project actions through the creation of training for trainers within the system.

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A dataset, survey, database, index, census, registry, or information system with a specific proper name that can be cited, queried, or downloaded as a data source

A data source described by its characteristics or producer rather than a proper name, containing a data noun and at least one identifying descriptor

A general reference to data, information, or statistics that contains a data noun but lacks enough specificity to identify the exact source


Input:
**At a crossroads. Unaccompanied and separated children in their transition to adulthood in Italy**

**Box 2 – Legal framework on education and training**

The right to education, enshrined in Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948 and reaffirmed by the Convention on the Rights of the Child of 1989 (Articles 18, 28 and 29), is harmonized in Article 38 of Legislative Decree 286/1998 (Testo unico sull’immigrazione), which states that “foreign children in the territory are subject to compulsory schooling; they are subject to all the provisions in force on the right to education, access to educational services, participation in the life of the school community”. In addition, the right to the completion of studies is reiterated for those who have reached 18 years of age by the following legislation: namely, Law 47/2017, the resulting Guidelines for the Right to Study of Pupils Outside their Home Families (MIUR-AGIA December 2017) [Ixxv] and the Memorandum of Understanding between the National Ombudsperson (AGIA) and the Ministry of Education, University and Research to promote and guarantee the rights of pupils (October 2018). [Ixxvi] In addition, Law 183/1984 establishes the right to education for children in foster care or who have been adopted.

Compulsory education of all children lasts ten years, from the age of six to 16. It also covers the first two years of upper secondary education. In this period of time, UASC must be admitted to the class that corresponds to their age, unless the teachers decide otherwise (Article 45 of the Regulation Implementing the Consolidated Text – Presidential Decree 394/1999). Nevertheless, the “Guidelines for the reception and integration of foreign students” (MIUR 2014) state that, in these cases, the child can be enrolled in the class that is immediately above or below, in order to limit as much as possible the age difference between pupils in the same class.

From 16 to 18 years of age, all children have the right and duty to education and training, which is fulfilled by obtaining a secondary school certificate or a professional qualification, or through apprenticeship. Children over the age of 16 who have not taken the middle school exam can prepare for it and take it by registering with the CPIA.

**Box 3 – Volunteer guardians (Law No. 47/2017)**

The guardian is the person who has the willingness and is able to legally represent a UASC. The guardian is a volunteer (Article 379 cc). Each volunteer guardian may be called upon to assist up to three unaccompanied UASC, unless there are special reasons (e.g. a group of siblings greater than three). As defined by the National Ombudsperson for Childhood and Adolescence, the guardian’s tasks are to:

**•**    - ensure that the individual under the age of 18 is guaranteed access to rights without any discrimination;

**•**    - promote the psychophysical well-being of individual under the age of 18;

**•**    - follow the education and integration pathways, verifying that his/her abilities, natural inclinations and
aspirations are taken into account;

**•**    - monitor reception conditions, security and protection;

**•**    - administer any assets of the person under the age of 18.

Pursuant to Article 11 of Law 47/2017, lists of volunteer guardians have been established. The procedure for the selection of guardians is defined within the guidelines issued by the National Authority for Childhood and Adolescence.
The individual interested in assuming the role of volunteer guardian can participate in the call for applications issued by the Local Authority for Children and Adolescents.
After verifying that the applicants meet all the requirements of the law, the competent office contacts them for an interview aimed at selecting the candidates who participate in the compulsory training course. During the training course, topics related to child development and immigration law are discussed in depth. The course addresses how to recognize the needs of a child and the behaviours to be adopted. At the end of the course, the selected and trained candidate is enrolled in the list of volunteer guardians at the Juvenile Court.

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A data source described by its characteristics or producer rather than a proper name, containing a data noun and at least one identifying descriptor

A general reference to data, information, or statistics that contains a data noun but lacks enough specificity to identify the exact source


Input:
**Fondazione ISMU**

**Box 4 – Possibility of family reunification for UASC**

The Ministry of Labour and Social Policies, in accordance with the DPCM 535/99, is proactive and carries out search activities in for the identification of family members of UASC present on the Italian territory. To this end, the Ministry has entered into an agreement with IOM for tracing family members in the countries of origin or in third countries where they reside. With specific reference to UASC asylum seekers who intend to reunite with a family member residing in a country of the European Union (EU), procedures can be activated under the Dublin Regulation III, as implemented by Legislative Decree 142/2015. To ensure that family reunification is line with the best interest of the child, the child is listened to, taking into account his or her age, degree of maturity and personal development, in order to verify the possibility of family reunification. All actions aimed at tracing family members wherever they reside are carried out in the best interests of the child and with the obligation of absolute confidentiality, so as to protect the safety of the UASC and his/her family members. IOM works closely with the social services of the municipalities where the UASC reside, the CSOs and organizations that manage the reception centres, and with the judges of the juvenile courts. This collaboration between separate bodies is further strengthened by partnerships established with institutions and other actors involved in the countries of origin or residence of the families of the UASC. 111 family surveys were completed and transmitted by IOM to the MLPS in 2018, and a further 45 in the first half of 2019. In total, 21 of these were carried out in EU countries and one in the United States. The main UASC nationalities for which they were conducted are Albania, Tunisia, Nigeria, Kosovo*, Morocco, Pakistan and the Gambia.

- References to Kosovo shall be understood to be in the context of United Nations Security Council resolution 1244 (1999).

**Box 5 – Access to work opportunities**

With regard to employment, the same rules apply to foreign UASC as to Italian minors. According to the Law on the Protection of Children from Labour [Law 977/67], combined with the School Reform Law [L. 52/2003 as amended by Law 296/2006], children may be allowed to work only after the age of 16 and upon completion of ten years compulsory schooling. Compulsory training, in contrast, is envisaged until the age of 16, and can be fulfilled in the school system, in the vocational training system or through apprenticeship. Therefore, a child may only enter into a contract other than an apprenticeship if this is compatible with school attendance or vocational training. According to the Reform of Article V of the Constitution [Constitutional Law 3/2001], labour law and policies are determined by the Regions following guidelines established at the national level. This gives rise to a complex and diversified framework at the local level. In most regions, in the absence of local legislation, national legislation determines which residence permits are valid for employment and access to the relevant services. Hence, all the residence permits for UASC allow them to work [Article 33, Testo unico sull’immigrazione d.lgs. 286/1999.], including permits for international protection (after 60 days from the request) [Article 22, d.lgs. 142/2015], except the residence permit for UASC [Article 10, L. 47/2017], with regards to which there is a normative gap on the issue. This gives rise to heterogeneous practices in different regional contexts.

Notwithstanding the definition of a regulatory framework at national level, rules regarding labour insertion, such as extracurricular internships, are also different between regions.

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A dataset, survey, database, index, census, registry, or information system with a specific proper name that can be cited, queried, or downloaded as a data source

A data source described by its characteristics or producer rather than a proper name, containing a data noun and at least one identifying descriptor

A general reference to data, information, or statistics that contains a data noun but lacks enough specificity to identify the exact source


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**At a crossroads. Unaccompanied and separated children in their transition to adulthood in Italy**

**Box 6 – Gender-based Violence**

As widely documented, women, girls, men and boys face numerous risks related to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in their country of origin, along migration routes and in Italy (United Nations, 2018; UNHCR, 2018; Oxfam, 2017; UNICEF, 2017b; IOM, 2017; Women's Refugee Commission, 2019). Studies and reports show that almost all women and female adolescents who travel along the central Mediterranean route have experienced sexual violence. Other forms of GBV also affect women and girls, such as forced marriage, domestic violence and female genital mutilation, as well as human trafficking. Moreover, a recent report by the Women's Refugee Commission (2019) points out that men and boys are also subjected to sexual violence during their journey to Italy, particularly in Libya as the main transit country to Italy. Refugees and migrants experience sexual violence at borders and checkpoints, during random arrests by armed groups and when kidnapped and imprisoned. Sexual violence, including sexual torture, against refugees and female and male migrants appears widespread in Libya. Moreover, fewer arrivals on the Italian coast mean longer periods spent in Libya and therefore an increase in the risks and consequences of violence. It is also clear that the risks do not end when migrants and refugees arrive in Italy. In particular, sexual harassment and sexual exploitation continue to be a problem. Although little information is available on domestic violence, it will inevitably continue to be a problem for women and children in Italy, due to, among other reasons, to the fact that asylum applications are submitted by the family, which may unwillingly cause women to remain in situations of violence.

The short- and long-term psychosocial and health impacts of SGBV are wide-ranging. They include depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections including HIV, and genital and rectum trauma. Despite all this, with appropriate support and assistance, the survivors can recover and overcome them. Recently, the Women’s Refugee Commission (WRC) found that there was a surprising difference between survivors living in good quality shelters, who therefore had access to care and support, and those outside the formal care system or who had more limited access to care. Survivors show a remarkable resilience and “had the ability to look ahead, while young unsupported men struggled and some of them had adopted negative coping mechanisms, including drug and alcohol abuse and petty crime” (WRC, 2019).

While a number of organizations and institutions provide comprehensive, people-centred services for male and female survivors, the need is far from being met. The Italian and anti-violence reception systems are characterized by limited decentralization and coordination; hence, survivors could fall through the cracks of the system. Despite the efforts of the Italian Government, the institutions and civil society, there are many shortcomings: an unaccountable and highly fragmented system, lacking any monitoring system, characterized by geographical disparities in the availability of assistance. While the protection system in Italy is promising, dealing with highly vulnerable UASC also entails addressing issues related to their specific conditions and challenging the knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of those who care for them.

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Input:
**Fondazione ISMU**

# **Endnotes**

1 United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, 1989.

2 Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, 1989.

3 Available in Annex 2 of the full report in Italian.

4 Ibid 5 Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Labour and Social Policies, Ministry of Education, University and Research, Ministry of Justice, Central Service of SIPROIMI (Protection System for Beneficiaries of International Protection and for Unaccompanied Foreign Minors), AGIA (National Ombudsperson for Children and Adolescents).

6 Snowball sampling (also known as chain-referral sampling) is a non-probability (non-random) sampling method, used when sample characteristics are rare and difficult to find. This sampling method involves primary data sources nominating another potential primary data source to use in the research. In other words, the snowball sampling method is based on referrals from initial subjects in order to generate additional subjects. Therefore, when applying this sampling method, members of the sample group are recruited via chain referral.

7 This is approximately 10 per cent of the sample against around 7 per cent of the total number of UASC hosted in reception facilities.

8 For details see Annex 4 in the full report in Italian.

9 See Glossary.

10 See the website of the United Nations Secretary-General’s Office of the Envoy: www.un.org/youthenvoy/wpcontent/ uploads/2018/09/18-00080_UN-Youth-Strategy_Web.pdf 11 Italy ratified and implemented the Convention with Law 176/1991.

12 The Dublin system, currently governed by Regulation (EU) No. 604/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June 2013, establishes the criteria and mechanisms for determining the Member State responsible for examining an application for international protection submitted in one of the Member States by a third-country national or a stateless person (the Dublin III Regulation). With regard to family reunification within the Dublin system, see also Article 18(1) of Legislative Decree 142/2015.

13 According to Article 10 of Law 47/2017, the child must be informed of the procedure, which the Juvenile Court must authorize; this procedure ends with the adoption of an age determination measure, which is conveyed to the child and to the guardian. However, the interaction between this procedure and the procedure governed by Prime Ministerial Decree 234/2016 used for victims of trafficking in human beings (UASC) has not been clarified to date.

14 The model outlined both at the normative level and in practice can be classified as ‘mixed’, with both volunteer and institutional guardians.

15 Each guardian may assume the protection of up to three UASC (unless there are specific needs that require an increase of this number). For further information on the role and functions of the guardian, see the corresponding Information box in the Annex.

16 See Article 10 of Law 47/2017.

17 See Article 32(1a) of Legislative Decree 286/1998.

18 For example, residence permits for special cases introduced or modified by l.d.113/2018.

19 L.d.113/2018 provides for a transitional regime both for holders of residence permits for humanitarian reasons, who are deprived of the possibility of renewing such permits after the expiration date, but without prejudice to the power to convert them into residence permits for job seeking, or study or work purposes, and for those who have submitted an application for international protection before its entry into force, who may still be granted a two years residence permit for special cases under the transitional regime which is convertible into a residence permit for employment or self-employment after its expiration.

20 The Territorial Commission (Commissione Territoriale) is the entity responsible for the assessment of and recognition of international protection following an audition with the asylum seeker. It consists of: a president, who is a deputy Prefect; Ministry of Interior caseworkers; and a representative of UNHCR who sits in the decision-making panel.

21 AMIF reception facility: first-level reception facility funded by the EU Asylum Migration Integration Fund (AMIF) 22 Irrespective of legal status, at the age of 18, each child may be entrusted to the continued care and protection of social services until the age of 21 at the latest, including when the Juvenile Court considers that the person, despite having embarked on a process of social inclusion, needs this continued care and protection to ensure the full success of the pathway towards autonomy.

23 See Article 17 of Law 47/2017, which amended Article 13 of Law 228/2003.

24 The MLSP defines the term ‘absconded’ as minors who leave the reception facilities in which they are hosted.
Minors are defined as absconded until they are found in Italy or reach the age of 18.

25 At the time of completing the report, the 2018 data were not yet available.

26 Aspirations are defined as the individual’s desire to achieve certain goals, whereas expectations relate to the 90

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A general reference to data, information, or statistics that contains a data noun but lacks enough specificity to identify the exact source