Unaccompanied foreign minors, often unaccompanied migrant children, are among the most vulnerable populations. They flee difficult conditions such as war, violence or poverty, in search of a better life. However, once alone in a foreign country, they face many challenges, including managing the money they receive from humanitarian associations. The mission of these organizations is to guarantee, among other things, the physical and financial safety of these young people.
Here we look at the difficulties that unaccompanied minors face when it comes to money, and the solutions that MNA associations can implement to guarantee their financial security.
Problems encountered by UFMs
The absence of a legal guardian
Unaccompanied minors are, by definition, without parents by their side, left to their own devices and on their own to look after their finances. Their young age and lack of life experience prevent them from managing a budget effectively.
Financial operating risks
The absence of responsible adult supervision makes unaccompanied minors vulnerable to financial exploitation, whether by other older minors or malicious adults. Minors are often victims of fraud and scams, or forced to steal or work illegally to support themselves.
Limited access to banking services
Due to their precarious migrant status and age, minors have limited access to traditional banking services. This forces them to use unsecured means of storing their money, notably by keeping it on them in cash, which exposes them to the risk of theft.
What solutions exist?
Here are a few steps you can take, as an MNA association, to ensure the financial security of these unaccompanied foreign minors in France.
Appointing a financial guardian
Appoint, as soon as possible, a guardian responsible for managing the isolated minor's finances. This person can be a member of the minor's extended family, but it is preferable that it be a social worker, a member of the association, or even a lawyer. In all cases, this person must be trustworthy and act solely in the minor's interests.
The legal guardian is often appointed by a juvenile court judge. His or her role is to closely supervise the minor's financial transactions and ensure that the money is used exclusively to meet his or her needs.
Opening a protected bank account
The financial guardian can initiate the procedure for opening a bank account specially dedicated to the minor, with power of attorney. He or she will be responsible for managing the account and making all decisions concerning the money in it. Make sure the account offers legal protection against unauthorized withdrawals.
Financial management education
Give the minor basic notions and advice on financial management. It's essential to teach them the value of money. He needs to keep track of his expenses, understand how French banking works and concepts such as saving and budgeting. Long-term savings programs can be set up, allowing money to be put aside for future expenses such as education or housing.
It's also important to make minors aware of the risks associated with fraud and scams. By organizing workshops or awareness campaigns, you can provide them with information on how to protect themselves in such situations, as well as on the resources available. Teaching them to be cautious, especially on the Internet, is also important.
Set spending rules and limits to prevent excessive, unnecessary or impulsive spending.
A financial protection policy
As an MNA association, it is your duty to draw up a financial protection policy specifically for unaccompanied minors. This includes clear procedures for managing funds, monitoring expenditure and preventing exploitation.
Working with the authorities
Close links with local social services, child protection agencies and other local players are essential to effectively coordinate financial protection efforts.
As financial security is linked to overall security, it's vital that we all work together to meet all the needs of miners.