Questions for Minister on future plans for children being removed from UK

Liberal Democrats for Seekers of Sanctuary remain adamant that the facility at the pre departure centre, Cedars, should not be closing, and should remain, as originally planned to be somewhere for families with children to have safe respite and be prepared for an involuntary return to their country of origin.

Barnardos have done an excellent job in making sure that the children had the right care in the right environment at this very traumatic time in their lives. We understand that they do not wish to be involved in the proposal that the families with children are to be in a detention centre, and why, as in their media statement. So, we have deep concerns about what the arrangements will be for child appropriate care.

We are therefore challenging the Minister for Home Department with the 15 points as follows.

POINTS FOR THE MINISTER TO ANSWER ON PROVISION OF ACCOMMODATION AT TINSLEY HOUSE FOR FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN WHO ARE ABOUT TO BE REMOVED FROM THE UK AS A LAST RESORT.

Taking information from a visit to Cedars, and reports with recommendations published by Barnardos, we are asking the following :

Another area that concerns us that a family being taken to the pre departure centre at Cedars has not been the end of the process for many families. It has not been the last resort. Family Engagement Managers working with families throughout the returns process will have no doubt contributed to the lower than expected use of Cedars, and a greater take up of voluntary returns. Every effort must be made that for families released into the community, there are not rearrests at a later date causing trauma to the whole family as well as a use of resources that is not constructive.

Finally, Cedars’ stands for the principles staff worked to – compassion, empathy, dignity, approachability, respect and support. Every one of these principles needs to be taken to any new arrangement at Tinsley House, put into practice, and monitored.