Ayrad,* a 16-year-old from Africa fleeing conflict, arrived at the border in Poland with Belarus after a treacherous journey not knowing what to do or who he could trust. He had received misleading information from his peers about asylum procedures—information that put him at serious risk—and showed clear signs of trauma. He was at risk of being returned to Belarus. KIND’s attorney in Poland provided critical support to Ayrad, helping ensure that he was recognized as an unaccompanied child and transferred into foster care.
KIND’s attorney worked closely with the foster care facility and other local partners to help Ayrad build trust with KIND, understand his rights, and ensure that he had a reliable and trusted adult by his side. KIND worked with key stakeholders to support him through each step of the asylum process, including attending his asylum interview.
Thanks to consistent, trauma-informed legal support, careful protection planning and collaboration with other key stakeholders, Ayrad’s safety and legal situation were properly safeguarded, giving him the stability he needed to begin healing and looking toward the future. He is currently undertaking vocational training.
*Name changed to protect client identity