Children’s perspectives

▼I need to understand / Be more independent

Things that children find difficult:

• They feel uncertain and anxious when they do not understand what is happening and are not informed about the progress of their application.
• There is a lack of information available about what happens at each location, the role of personnel they meet and their own role within the application process.
• Facilities and information for children are scarce or non-excisting.
• It is difficult to wait for a long time.
• Anxiety generated by the uncertainty of their application being accepted or rejected.
• Experience of anger, fear and resignation when thier application is rejected.

Things that children and others suggest would improve the children's well-being:

• Even and frequent delivery of information is essential, even when there is no news or change in application status.
• Service providers are important in providing information.
• Places with children's facilities and toys contribute to a more memorable and positive experience for asylum seeking children.
• The school plays an important role in providing information for both children and parents.
• While it is important that the children are informed, they should not be made responsible for the dissemination of information to their parents.

▼I need to feel like I have a home

Things that children find difficult:

• Being hungry, tired and cold during their first 24 hours in Iceland.
• Dirty rooms and limited resources in the reception centre cause distress.
• They experience loneliness and fear in the reception centre in Bæjarhraun.
• Lack of toys and a space to play makes waiting, and the uncertainty they feel, even worse.
• They feel trapped if they live in remote places or if there is limited access to transport.

Things that children and others suggest would improve children's well-being:

• Clean housing where there are beds for everyone.
• Access to food immediately upon arrival in the country.
• Access to toys and places to play indoors and outdoors.
• Children who have siblings of a similar age are often better off as they have playmates.

▼I need more activities / To feel less lonely

Things that children find difficult:

• Understanding the language in school and getting help from adults.
• Not being allowed to practice sports or participate in other activities outside school.
• Learning the Icelandic language.
• Having few opportunities to learn Icelandic and educate themselves, particularly for children over the age of 16.
• Making Icelandic friends.

Things that children and other interviewees suggest would improve children's well-being:

• Starting school as soon as possible as children generally feel good at school.
• Access to activities and subjects that do not depend on language skills (Icelandic) as children become distressed if deprived of such pastimes.
• Having something to do after school and on weekends.
• Having friends of foreign origin.
• Facilitating friendships with Icelandic children.
• For older children, courses such as Dale Carnegie and a gym membership are examples of important learning opportunities and constructive activities.

▼I need to see a doctor

Things that children and parents find difficult:

• They endure fear, anxiety and pain if there is limited or no access to health care.
• They feel insecure if their first opportunity to meet healthcare providers is at the obligatory medical examination, as sometimes health care is needed sooner.
• Excessively long waits for health care can cause worry and even harm, such as when waiting for the service provider to refer you to a health care clinic. As the medical condition could escalate in the meantime.
• Uncertainty regarding the childs rights to health care.
• Abnormal responsibility is placed on children who have sick parents.

Things that children and others suggest would improve children's well-being:

• Where access to social services is good, for example through social media or emergency phone numbers, the provision of health care is better.
• Information about access to health care after hours would help parents feel more secure.
• Direct access to health centers and information on how to obtain these services would improve children's safety and simplify the work of service providers.
• Home care for sick parents is important to the children.
• Access to psychological assistance helps children significantly, especially if they have no one else to talk to.

▼I need care if I'm unaccompanied

Things that unaccompanied children find difficult:

• Feelings of fear, insecurity and hopelessness when care is unavailable.
• Lack of an essential adult that can assist with daily activities and the application process in cooperation with the child.
• The inadequacy of information regarding their application process at any given time.
• Concerns about the nutritional value of their diet and the unavailability of good food.
• Lack of education and language courses cause concern about missed learning opportunities limiting their independence.
• The absence of activities.
• Concerns about family and lack of assistance with family reunification.
• Worries about their future.
• Negative and difficult changes to their status when they turn 18.

Things that children and others pointed out would improve children's well-being:

• Good collaboration between social workers and children would increase confidence and opportunities for learning, leisure, foster care and other resources.
• It enhances a sense of independence and self-esteem when the child feels as an active part of the social worker's tasks.
• Foster families greatly enhance the children's opportunities to understand the application process and Icelandic society. They relieve the stress of waiting and help prepare for the future.
• Warm and nutritious food is important to children and reduces loneliness.

▼I need to protect my child

Things parents find difficult:

• Concerns about their children's well-being and struggling to protect their children from the stress of the application process.
• Discomfort due to inactivity and being without work, activities or friends.
• Lack of consultation during the application process.
• Worries about their children’s future.
• Feelings of fear, hopelessness and helplessness towards the application process.
• The lack of information regarding their rights and obligations.

Things that parents and others point out would improve children's well-being:

• Good access to services and information would help parents to fulfill their roles within the application process.
• Activite parents are better suited to deal with waiting and uncertainty.
• Happy parents are good parents.