The Practitioners’ handbook on safeguarding unaccompanied and separated children's rights through the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights is a guide for professionals working with unaccompanied children in the EU. 

The handbook was developed as part of the EU-funded project Safeguarding Unaccompanied and Separated Children’s Rights through the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights (SUN), which promotes the effective enjoyment of rights stipulated in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (CFREU) in relation to unaccompanied and separated refugee and migrant children (UASC).

The handbook provides a thorough understanding of the legal frameworks, principles, and best practices for protecting the rights and well-being of UASC. Key to the integration process is ensuring that the best interests of the child are prioritised in all actions affecting them, as stated in Art. 24 of the CFREU. This includes access to education, healthcare, accommodation, and family reunification.

The target audience of the handbook includes: 

• social workers in the mainstream alternative care services and child protection officers; 
• legal practitioners and advocates;
• young professionals and students; 
• immigration and asylum authorities; 
• non-governmental organisations (NGOs), civil society organisations and independent human rights bodies; 
• educators/teachers, headmasters and healthcare providers;
• foster families from the refugee and migrant communities and their associations; 
• parents and family members; 
• policymakers and government officials.

The handbook is organised into several key sections, each designed to provide comprehensive support to the target groups: 

• Key definitions of common terms used in the Handbook. 
• Legal frameworks and standards: an overview of the relevant international and EU laws, directives, and guidelines pertaining to the rights of UASC. 
• Best practices in child protection: practical examples and guiding principles on safeguarding, and multidisciplinary approaches to care. 
• Case studies and examples: real-world examples illustrating successful interventions and initiatives and common challenges in the protection of UASC. 
• Key points to remember after each chapter. 

By equipping professionals with the knowledge and tools necessary to protect unaccompanied and separated children, this handbook contributes to a more just and humane treatment of these vulnerable individuals across the EU.