The Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration has started an inspection into the Home Office's child safeguarding arrangements. This review is in line with the Inspector's 2026–27 Inspection Plan.
The inspection will assess the effectiveness and consistency of child safeguarding across the migration and borders system. It will specifically focus on initial encounters of children at the border, the management of referrals of children in-country to the Home Office and onward to statutory agencies, and the sharing of safeguarding information both within the Home Office and with external stakeholders.
Inspectors are seeking evidence related to safeguarding arrangements for children arriving by air, sea, or small boat, accompanied asylum-seeking children, young people raising age disputes in Immigration Removal Centres, and children encountered through Immigration Enforcement activity.
The call for evidence is open until 23:59 on 15 October 2026. Submissions should specifically relate to the points outlined for the inspection.