As an inherent element of border management, Frontex can provide operational and technical support to a requesting EU/Schengen country within the different phases of the return process, from pre-return, through the coordination and implementation of returns, to post-arrival and reintegration support. A critical factor is how the support thoroughly considers the needs of migrants, particularly those in a vulnerable situation.
At Frontex we care about and consider the special needs of persons in a vulnerable situation. We do so in every activity that we engage in, together with the EU countries. Protecting all vulnerable individuals is also a fundamental part of all return activities managed by the Agency. We want to make sure that people who need special care receive it. That’s why we will develop a series of “toolboxes” to help them during their return process.
The first available toolbox is the “Toolbox for Children in Return”, other toolboxes, for other vulnerable groups in return, will follow in the coming years.
Every migrant is entitled to:
Special care is needed to ensure that these rights are respected during the entire return process.
All return operations are also monitored by specialised experts.
Returning home, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, is never easy. Every returnee needs to go through a strict administrative procedure. This frequently brings about intense emotions, uncertainty about what lies ahead, and a sense of worry. Frontex aims to offer tailored counselling and advice, especially for those who belong to one of the vulnerable groups in return: children and families, single parents, pregnant women, elderly people, people suffering from physical or mental health issues, etc. Our toolboxes are meant to help them prepare for the return and understand each step.
Every person who is to be returned to their home country following a formal decision of an EU country has the right to know what return will mean for them. Depending on their vulnerability it is also necessary that those who work with vulnerable groups learn how to communicate effectively and efficiently. Thus, Frontex is developing a set of tools for each vulnerable group in return and for the professionals who work with them.
The first toolbox, focused on children and families, contains the following tools:
Frontex has produced a series of publications to help you in your daily work with migrant children and their families. These have been developed in close collaboration with Frontex Fundamental Rights Office and external experts in child psychology and child protection. Frontex’s Return Division has also consulted all content with the EU Member States and the Consultative Forum.
The books have been translated (based on input provided by the Member States) into the following languages: English, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Albanian, Arabic, Farsi, Georgian, Kurdish (both Kurmanji and Sorani), Pashto, Russian, Sri Lankan Tamil, and Turkish. The Activity Book has also been translated into Dutch.
This 4-page leaflet provides migration officers with background information on the available books, and instructions how to order and use them (accessible via IRMA).
The printed version of the books is distributed via the Publications Office of the EU.
Printed or downloadable electronic versions of Toolbox for children in return books can be ordered on the Publications Office website.
Member States’ experts can find more information on the books and how to order them on IRMA.
Available now: A reader-friendly version for mobile phones and tablets. The Activity Book is only available in a printed version.
Frontex has developed a workshop on Communicating with Children and Families in Return. It is focused on communication and practical exercises allowing the exchange of experiences and best practices in the Member States. The intended participants are police officers, border guards and civil servants working with children and families in the field of return (such as people working in reception centres, social workers etc.).
To accommodate the high interest in participation from the Member States, Frontex’s Return Division is currently developing a trainer’s version of the workshop. It will allow Member States trainers and experts to become “multipliers” and share the content of the workshop on a national level.
for children between 4 and 11 years of age
for children between 6 and 11 years of age
Who is this book for?
for 12-to-17-year-olds
Who is this book for?
for 14-to-17-year-olds
Who is this book for?
Who is this book for?
for children between 4 and 17 years of age
COMING SOON - My guidebook on return – video