What is my responsibility towards a child or a person who claims to be a child?

• Pages: 9-10

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What is my

responsibility towards

a child or a person who

claims to be a child?

In line with the relevant international and European

legal standards and legislation, a child is any human

being below the age of 18 years unless, under

the law applicable to the child, majority is attained

earlier. Even if you are not sure if the person who

claims so is really a child, he/she still must be referred

to the responsible authority for age assessment in

accordance with national legislation and practice.

Children are inherently vulnerable and it is very

important to be par ticularly sensitive to their

special needs, especially in the case they are

unaccompanied or separated. Unaccompanied

and separated children should be identif‌ied and

referred to the responsible authorities as quickly

as possible according to national legislation and

practice and in line with the guarantees provided

by EU law. Make sure you are aware of the national

referral procedures and have the contact details

of specialised child protection services and other

responsible stakeholders at hand.

Always remain observant and pay attention

to possible indications of tracking. Is there

anything unusual about the situation you see? Is the

child quiet, detached/distant, incoherent, scared,

upset? Is a person waiting for the child or is the child

looking at another adult? At any time, if there is a

reasonable suspicion that the child may be at risk

of tracking, or is otherwise in need of protection,

the referral mechanism and initial investigation

must apply immediately according to the national

legislation and practice.

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