Authorities in Italy have clarified that the country’s latest migration decree is not expected to significantly affect unaccompanied migrant children, according to Marina Terragni, head of the Guarantor Authority for Infancy and Adolescence (AGIA). The decree, approved by the Italian Council of Ministers, aims to strengthen measures against irregular migration while maintaining protections for vulnerable minors.
Terragni explained that although the reform introduces broader changes to migration management, unaccompanied minors — estimated at around 17,000 in Italy — should continue to benefit from existing safeguards. These protections include the “administrative continuation” system, which allows young migrants who received support as children to continue receiving assistance after turning 18, especially if they are still in school or training.
However, the new rules are expected to shorten the maximum support period. Under the revised framework, assistance linked to administrative continuation may end at age 19 instead of 21. Terragni acknowledged that this represents a notable reduction but suggested the change is designed to encourage faster processing of documentation and assessments by social services.
She also highlighted a growing number of complex and vulnerable cases among young migrants, noting that continued support is most effective when combined with integrated services delivered by multidisciplinary teams. According to Terragni, the quality of support — including social, educational, and psychological assistance — is more critical than simply extending timelines.
Another potential change involves shifting responsibility for assisted voluntary repatriation of unaccompanied minors from youth courts to local prefects, moving part of the process from judicial oversight to administrative management. Terragni noted that repatriation cannot be forced and would still require a favorable opinion from the youth court, meaning the overall safeguards should remain largely intact.
Beyond legal reforms, AGIA is focusing on improving Italy’s shelter system for unaccompanied minors. With funding from the EU’s Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund, the authority is working to strengthen local services and expand foster care options for migrant children, aiming to provide more stable and supportive environments.
Terragni stressed that increasing the number of foster families — currently only about four percent — remains one of the most effective ways to promote integration and inclusion for young migrants. She emphasized that long-term solutions depend not only on legislation but also on sustained investment in care systems that respond to the specific needs of vulnerable youth.