Unaccompanied minor

What happens after an unaccompanied minor arrives in Estonia?

• The Police and Border Guard Board (PBGB) establishes the child’s situation. If the child wishes to apply for international protection, the PBGB also handles the application.
• The local government takes care of the child’s everyday well-being and arranges the necessary services. The local government represents the child and performs the duties of a guardian.
• The Social Insurance Board (SIB) works together with the local government to arrange accommodation for the child and prepares a case plan. Where necessary, the SIB supports the local government in carrying out the relevant tasks and may also temporarily perform tasks related to representing the child. 

The child has the right to receive information in a language they understand and to express their opinion. When making decisions, the child’s age and level of development are taken into account and, where possible, the child is involved in decisions concerning them. An interpreter’s service is arranged where necessary.

Where and how does an unaccompanied minor live in Estonia?

During their stay in Estonia, the child is provided with a safe place to live and the necessary assistance. When arranging accommodation, the child’s age, needs, safety, well-being and best interests are taken into account.

First, the child is placed in a shelter or, for a short period, in the PBGB detention centre (only where there is a legal basis for this and it is necessary in the particular circumstances).

After assessing the child’s situation and needs, more suitable and stable accommodation is arranged. This may be substitute care service, for example a family home or substitute care home, or another solution suitable for the child’s needs. The aim is to provide the child with the safest and most supportive environment possible and to ensure the necessary everyday care and assistance.

The child’s accommodation and well-being are organised jointly by the local government and the Social Insurance Board, which may also involve other specialists and service providers.

If the child wishes to apply for international protection

An unaccompanied minor has the right to apply for international protection in Estonia, which is administered by the PBGB. An applicant has the right to accommodation, food and other basic assistance, as well as healthcare services. A minor has the right to education, and in the case of a child, their age, development and educational needs are taken into account.

The child has the right to receive information in a language they understand and to use an interpreter. A legal representative must be present to help ensure the protection of the child’s rights and interests.

Representation of the child

A representative is appointed for the child to help ensure the protection of their rights and interests and to support the child in proceedings and decisions concerning them. Among other things, the representative’s role is to help the child understand what is happening, hear the child’s opinion and ensure that the child’s views and needs are taken into account. The representative also supports the child in communicating with authorities and specialists and participates in PBGB procedural actions concerning the child.