National Transfer Scheme

The National Transfer Scheme Protocol (NTS protocol) for unaccompanied children has been created to ensure a fairer, more equitable distribution of unaccompanied children across Councils nationally and ease pressure on those with the most arrivals. More information can be found in the Unaccompanied asylum seeking children: national transfer scheme guidance.

The NTS first began operating in 2016 and formed the basis of an agreement between Councils to ensure a fairer, more equitable distribution of unaccompanied children across England then extended to Councils in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland from 2018. The protocol was updated in December 2021 following the scheme becoming mandatory to all Councils. The NTS statutory guideline states that any transfer of an unaccompanied child from the entry council to the receiving council should take place no later than 10 working days. This will ensure an efficient movement into the new home minimising a prolonged period of time before the young people moves into their new home. The Unaccompanied children sufficiency project was funded by Department for Education (DfE) to minimise the long waiting period by increasing placement sufficiency and support carers and practitioners to understand and meet the needs of unaccompanied children mainly through providing training as well as attending fostering support groups to talk about the needs of unaccompanied children. 

Due to the volume of unaccompanied children in some areas many services are overstretched including placements, GP’s, dentists, schools, colleges, and immigration solicitors, so it can be incredibly difficult to offer children the care and support they need. Under the NTS, unaccompanied children can safely transfer from one Council (the entry council) to another (the receiving council) so that they can receive appropriate care.