Voluntary Guardians of Unaccompanied Foreign Minors in Italy: a reference point for social and labour insertion

Abstract

The role of volunteer guardians, as an instrument for the integration of migrants into Italian society, requires intervention by the administration and social services, which collaborate with and accompany the guardians, facilitating the management of support measures, providing guidance on various difficulties in the process and even looking after the guardians themselves in order to avoid failures or resignations in the performance of their work. This article will also analyse how these activities are carried out, assessing the successes and potential areas for improvement after seven years of this vital support and social integration tool for unaccompanied migrant minors in Italy. The role of “volunteer guardians” should be transferred to a more desirable and much-needed harmonising regulation at European Union level. A directive that would guarantee the rights and mechanisms of protection and integration for unaccompanied foreign minors.