Immigration
At ACCA, we specialise in delivering expert immigration social work assessments and support for separated migrant children and young people. Understanding the immense pressures Local Authorities face, we offer bespoke services to navigate the complexities of the immigration and asylum system alongside statutory responsibilities for Looked After Children.
Consultancy
Our specialist team provides top-tier training and consultancy services to improve practice across social care and immigration. We ensure best practice standards by using the latest case law, legislation, and trauma-informed approaches.
Our Commitment
With over two decades of experience, ACCA is dedicated to delivering case law-compliant, trauma-informed services to support Local Authorities and Law Firms in immigration social work assessments. Our practical and policy expertise bridges the gap, empowering professionals to enhance service quality.
We are committed to delivering top-tier independent social work assessments for immigration cases. Our services focus on helping legal professionals and local authorities navigate complex immigration and asylum matters with thorough, evidence-based reports.
“Working as an ISW/Childcare Consultant with this team has been wonderful. Their management team is friendly and supportive. ISWs receive excellent training and peer support and are kept abreast of changes in legislation. This means that we can deliver high-quality services to those instructing us.” – Henrietta Coker – ISW & Expert Witness
Why Choose Us?
Expert Knowledge of Legal Frameworks:
Our ISWs have deep knowledge of critical legal frameworks, such as the Hague Convention, ECHR, and the Children’s Act, ensuring compliance and thorough analysis. They possess international certifications, are experienced in providing expert witness reports, and have a working knowledge of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Our immigration social work assessments and reports fully comply with Practice Direction 35 on Experts and Assessors and Practice Direction 10 for Expert Evidence in the Immigration & Asylum Chamber.
Contact us today to learn how we can support your needs with bespoke, expert immigration assessments.
Holistic and Ethical Reports:
We guarantee evidence-based, ethical reports that comply with Practice Direction 35 and Immigration & Asylum Chamber guidelines.
Specialised in Vulnerable Cases:
We specialise in complex cases, offering tailored expertise in areas such as international adoptions, vulnerable adults, family reunifications, and asylum seekers.
Country-Specific Expertise:
Assessors offer in-depth country knowledge, particularly in Global South regions, enhancing the relevance and accuracy of their reports.
Our ISWs are versed in:
1) The Hague Convention
2) The Mogadishu ruling
3) The European Convention on Human Rights
4) The Borders Citizenship and Nationality Act 2009
5) The Children’s Act 2004
6) The Practice Direction of the Immigration and Asylum Chamber of the First-tier Tribunal
7) Practice Directions 35 –Experts and Assessors
Experienced Social Workers:
Our assessors have international experience, having visited refugee camps and conflict zones, providing real-world insight into the conditions faced by appellants.
Our Work Includes Adults, Children, and Families
We assist individuals and families who:
- Are navigating unsettled immigration status
- Are overstayers, EU nationals, or asylum seekers
- Are non-EU nationals or individuals with failed asylum applications
- Are unaccompanied minors or young people
Child-Related Cases Include:
- International adoption (defacto adoptions)
- International Surrogacy
- Caring for a child of an overseas extended family member by bringing them to the UK
- Family reunification cases
Social Circumstances Reports as a specialised service. These reports are vital for immigration cases involving children under Section 55 of the Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Act 2009, especially for children who have lived in the UK for more than seven years.
We offer Merton-compliant age assessments conducted by highly trained social workers. These assessments follow the holistic Merton template and include up-to-date research and findings. Our Merton-compliant reports are designed to be accepted in the High Court, ensuring credibility in age-disputed cases.
In cases of out-of-country appeals, we provide detailed reports demonstrating the ties and bonds between children and family members in the UK. These reports highlight the negative impact that separation has on family members, particularly children, strengthening the appeal case under Article 8 of the Human Rights Act.
We provide detailed Social Circumstances Reports under Article 8 of the Human Rights Act 1998, emphasising the right to respect for private and family life. Our reports examine separation’s emotional and social impact on families, particularly children, and demonstrate how removal from the UK would disrupt established family and private life.
Adult-Related Cases Include:
- Family reunification cases
- Cases involving vulnerable adults
- Over stayers
- Failed Asylums seekers
Our Mission
We work tirelessly to offer innovative, cost-effective solutions that prioritise the well-being of children, particularly separated migrant children. Our services aim to meet statutory responsibilities while protecting professionals from litigation risks.
A Holistic Account of a Child’s Experience is to Involve:
- The child’s wishes and feelings
- The child’s physical, emotional, and educational needs
- The impact of any changes to the child’s circumstances
- The child’s age, sex, background, and other relevant characteristics
- Any harm the child has suffered or is at risk of suffering
- How capable each parent is of meeting the child’s needs
- The range of powers available to the court
Who We Work With
- Local Authorities
- Solicitors and Law Firms
- Non-Government Organisations
- Regional Governments
Our Services
- Independent Social Work Assessments
We provide detailed assessments for age determination, human rights claims, asylum applications, and more. Each assessment is delivered by highly qualified professionals with extensive experience in immigration social work. - Training & Consultancy
Our specialist training programmes equip professionals with the tools to support migrant children and young people effectively. This includes training on legal aspects, policy review, and writing services to ensure compliance with statutory duties. - Policy & Procedure Development
We assist organisations in developing and reviewing policies to uphold human rights, ensure legal compliance, and streamline processes.
