Unaccompanied and separated children in their transition to adulthood in Italy

Highlights

Between 2014 and 2018, more than 70,000 unaccompanied and separated children (UASC) arrived in Italy by sea, 90% of whom were between 15 and 17 years old. The significant presence of UASC (7,272 in June 2019) and the growing number of UASC who have turned 18 (around 60,000 over the last five years) have highlighted the need to better understand the measures and opportunities for the protection and social inclusion of this specific population group in their transition to adulthood.

The research - commissioned by UNICEF, UNHCR and IOM - carried out by ISMU Foundation in collaboration with University of Roma Tre and University of Catania in three regions deeply affected by this phenomenon (Sicily, Lombardy and Latium).