April 3, 2025
This fact sheet provides an in-depth look at how six European countries (France, Greece, Poland, Slovenia, Italy, and Slovakia) protect unaccompanied foreign minors through voluntary guardianship systems. It outlines the different types of guardianship, including ad hoc administrators, curators, and volunteer legal guardians, and explains how each country appoints and supports guardians for migrant children. The resource highlights key challenges such as legal gaps, inconsistent procedures, and limited support structures, offering a comparative view of child protection practices across Europe.