Section 5 - Home assignment and return

• An appropriate welcome pack should be available to the family which includes information relating to the welfare of children such as child benefit, child tax credit, educational access and NHS access

Debriefing

• Children should be involved in an exit interview which takes place before leaving the host culture
• Children should be prepared for Home Leave by parents and organisations and, where appropriate, their schools
• Debriefing on re-entry should be offered for children with people who have appropriate training or understanding of TCK issues
• Parents and children should be informed of opportunities to take part in camps or clubs, especially with other TCKs

Representation to churches

• Children should not be coerced into sharing about their experiences publicly
• Careful consideration should be given to the children’s needs to avoid exhaustion
• Churches should be encouraged to provide appropriate opportunities for children to share their experiences

Permanent return

• Families should be given information regarding support available for children, including debriefing and re-entry camps
• Resources should be made available to assist families in settling back into the UK
• Individuals in the church and agency should be specifically responsible to ensure ongoing support for TCKs well into adulthood, if needed

Children or young people returning without their parents (for 6th form, school or university)

• Planning should begin at least two years before the child’s return, including gathering information about cost, eligibility for ‘home student’ status, and funding options
• At least one parent should be provided with the opportunity to assist their child settling
• A ‘responsible adult’ should be appointed in the home country to look after the welfare of the child and act in loco parentis
• Sufficient funding should be budgeted for visits to their family during longer holiday periods