Purpose: The purpose of the programme is to provide ongoing support and housing for unaccompanied children and young people, e.g. to include them in the Norwegian education system and help them access job opportunities.
Stimulus/Rationale: There are huge socioeconomic, educational and emotional differences among unaccompanied minors (UAMs), who are often in a “survival mode,” with different implications for the services to be provided. For instance, there are children who have been victims of family violence or child abuse, and at the same time young adults that have the necessary skills to integrate the university. This led the municipality to put in place an individual assessment of the needs of each child, both upon arrival and on a regular basis. The children who participate in the UAM programme are thus accompanied to express their wishes in terms of expectations from the welfare and assistance system, of plans for the future, and of self-determination.
Process: Early integration in the education system and access to job opportunities are considered to be essential in the inclusion process. The workers involved in the UAM programme have to build credit and trust, and invest time and energy in the first phase to build up an individual relationship with each kid.
Impact: Since the year 2000 about 300 UAM have been resettled in Bergen; in total, these children represent more than 25 nationalities. 90% of Afghan boys are either working or enrolled in higher education after four years in Norway. These are higher rates than the average Norwegian born kids. Promoting self-motivation and the identification of each one’s talents and skills are considered to be key factors for this success.
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