Towards a safe and secure transition into adulthood: Two new PICUM resources

Thousands of migrant children across Europe turn 18 and enter adulthood each year. They blow out their 18 candles everywhere – in villages, capitals and under bridges. It is a tipping point for many of them. From them on, they must navigate the world around them as adults, often without the knowledge, help or guidance their peers can rely on.

To help create a world where everyone receives the support and care they need to safely transition from childhood to adulthood, the network PICUM created two new resources:

• The Guidance for policy makers and practitioners on regularisation mechanisms for people transitioning into adulthood addresses one on the key reasons why children and young people enter undocumented adulthood. It delves into how procedures and permits can be designed to work better for children and young people.
• Stepping up: a collection of projects and practices helping migrant children transition into adulthood highlights 25 practices and projects supporting children and young people across the region. It includes chapters on housing, mental health and peer support, mentoring, care and aftercare, legal aid, ‘figuring things out’, regularising one’s stay, cross-border exchanges, outreach work etc.

Both publications are available in English, French, Greek and Italian on PICUM’s publications page.

PICUM is an international network of organisations working to ensure social justice and human rights of undocumented migrants.