Information on the Refugee minor program is available in several languages. You can listen to a recording or download a factsheet.
The Refugee minor program (RMP or the program) provides support to children and young people who are refugees, under 18 years of age and are in Victoria without their parents. They are known as ‘Unaccompanied humanitarian (or refugee) minors' (UHMs).
The Department of Immigration and Border Protection refers all unaccompanied humanitarian minors who reside in Victoria to the program.
The program’s role in such cases requires careful consideration and negotiation with the federal department, and may include searching, assessing and approving prospective carers; reporting and providing a recommendation as to the outcome of the assessment for their consideration; and working with the carers and child/young person to ensure their health and wellbeing.
The role of the RMP is to support the settlement process for UHM clients without parents in Victoria and to prevent breakdown in care arrangements through early intervention and proactive measures to assist families providing care.
Given that all RMP clients do not reside with parents, the role of custodians and carers is critical in ensuring the health and well-being of our client group. Custodians and carers include:
-
Kinship networks, including extended family, members of the relevant cultural community, friends, others known to the child or young person
-
Alternative carers, including foster carers
-
Introduction to the RMP
-
The role of the RMP
The role of the RMP is to support the settlement process for UHM clients without parents in Victoria and to prevent breakdown in care arrangements through early intervention and proactive measures to assist families providing care.
-
The role of custodians and carers
Given that all RMP clients do not reside with parents, the role of custodians and carers is critical in ensuring the health and well-being of our client group. Custodians and carers include:
-
Kinship networks, including extended family, members of the relevant cultural community, friends, others known to the child or young person
-
Alternative carers, including foster carers
-