Age assessments: how to challenge a negative decision

June 19, 2026 · WOWERI

Age assessment decisions have a huge impact on unaccompanied asylum-seeking children. Challenging a negative decision is possible with legal help.

Age assessments: how to challenge a negative decision

Age assessment decisions have a huge impact on unaccompanied asylum-seeking children. The decision will affect a young person’s entitlement to social work support and care. It will also have implications for how their asylum claim is dealt with by the Home Office. According to Freemovement, challenging a negative decision is possible with legal help. To do this, you need to gather evidence and prepare an appeal.

Steps to challenge the decision

1. Gather evidence: gather all necessary documents and evidence to prove your age.
2. Prepare the appeal: prepare the appeal with the help of a lawyer, in which your arguments and evidence will be presented.
3. Submit the appeal: submit the appeal to the relevant authority within the deadline.

Conclusion

Age assessment decisions are a crucial aspect of the asylum process for unaccompanied minors. Challenging a negative decision is possible with legal help and proper preparation of the appeal.

Source: freemovement.org.uk