This article describes expert witness work with refugee children carried out by the Child & Family Team at the Traumatic Stress Clinic affiliated to University College, London. These children are referred by solicitors acting for their parents in relation to claims for asylum. The children have usually survived multiple traumatic experiences and often have significant post-traumatic symptomatology. Many speak little English and have had little preparation for the assessment. This article briefly summarizes the law relating to human rights and refugees that is relevant to these children and the questions posed by their solicitors. It then describes the way in which the team approaches the assessment and the clinical and legal issues raised.

Legal issues Refugee psychological trauma human rights

symptomatology Review law refugee psychotrauma posttraumatic stress disorder human rights human Child legal aspect parent