Sloth-Nielsen, JuliaAckermann, Marilize2018-06-062018-06-062016Sloth-Nielsen, J. & Ackermann, M. (2016). Unaccompanied and separated foreign children in the care system in the Western Cape – a socio-legal study. PER / PELJ, 19.1727-3781http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/1727- 3781/2016/v19i0a1207http://hdl.handle.net/10566/3774This article reports on the findings of a study of foreign children accommodated in the care system in the Western Cape, based on fieldwork conducted in child and youth care centres. The objectives of the study were firstly to map and quantify the number and demographics of foreign children placed in all CYCCs across the Western Cape. Secondly, the study aimed to analyse the reasons for children's migration and the circumstances around their placement in residential care institutions in order to establish whether family reunification was possible or desirable. Thirdly, the study explores the sufficiency of efforts made to trace and reunify the children with their families, whether in South Africa or across borders, as the institutional placement of children should not only be a last resort but it should preferably be temporary whilst family-based solutions are sought. Lastly, the documentation status of the children in the study was examined. Recommendations emanating from the research conclude the study.enCopyright in all material published in PER/PELJ vests in the author, provided that authors grant, by submission of their contributions, permission that their contributions may be shared and adapted without restriction. An author furthermore agrees that the same contribution may not be published elsewhere without the written permission of the editor. Anyone gaining access, electronically or otherwise, to a contribution to PER, may quote from such contribution, use the intellectual content thereof, share and adapt it,Foreign childrenChild protectionRefugeesAsylum seekersChild and youth care centresChildren's courtArticle