15
February
2022

Guardianship systems for unaccompanied children in the European Union: developments since 2014

In 2015 and 2016, the numbers of unaccompanied children arriving in Europe increased dramatically, straining national guardianship systems. This report looks at how EU Member States, as well as North Macedonia and Serbia, have adapted their guardianship systems for unaccompanied children since that time.
Overview

The report shows that, overall, although legislative changes have taken place in many Member States, national guardianship systems continue to face many challenges. The guardianship systems also still vary greatly across the EU.

In this report:

  1. Legal and policy developments concerning guardianship
  2. Main elements of guardianship systems in EU Member States
  3. Appointment procedures
  4. Knowledge and skills of guardians
  5. Tasks of a guardian