At European level, the protection of unaccompanied migrant children remains a shared challenge for public authorities, civil society organisations, and professionals working on the ground. Across countries, responses are shaped by different legal frameworks and contexts, yet they are often built around similar needs: access to education, housing, legal protection, and pathways towards autonomy. A key example of this approach is the European project NEAR to Guardians, which combines evidence-based training with transnational exchange to support professionals working alongside unaccompanied migrant children.
From needs assessment to concrete training
The NEAR to Guardians training programme was developed following national assessments of guardians’ needs, including an assessment carried out in the participating five EU Member States. These assessments highlighted the complexity of guardianship roles and the need for practical, experience-based guidance to support professionals in their day-to-day work. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, the training responds directly to the realities and challenges identified by practitioners.. The result is a free e-learning platform promoted by the European Social Network together with the project partners. The platform is designed to provide effective support to professionals and practitioners working alongside unaccompanied migrant children,
The platform offers accessible and practice-oriented content covering the main areas of unaccompanied migrant children’s pathways, such as education and training, skills development, housing conditions and independent living, as well as career guidance, labour market integration, and legal protection. All resources are developed with a strong focus on real-life experience, supported by professionals with long-standing expertise in the field.
NEAR to Guardians includes five online training pathways, one per country, and is available in English, Dutch, French, Italian, Spanish, Slovenian, and Greek. Through its modules and in-depth materials, the platform contributes to strengthening the capacities of professionals working in services, projects, and local communities, thereby supporting children’s pathways towards inclusion and autonomy. Access to the platform is free, reinforcing ESN’s commitment to open and inclusive knowledge sharing.
Connecting local realities through international working tables
Training alone is not enough though to address the structural challenges faced by unaccompanied minors across Europe. This is why NEAR to Guardians also includes International Working Tables, which create structured spaces for transnational exchange and alignment of practices.
Across Europe, municipalities are often the first point of contact for unaccompanied minors arriving alone. Cities face similar challenges, yet each territory develops responses shaped by its own context, governance arrangements, and resources. The International Working Tables bring these experiences together, aiming to define a common vision based on local practice while fostering mutual learning.
These online Working Tables bring together cities, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders to co-create a Letter of Intent, which sets out a collective vision, values, and tangible solutions to promote the inclusion of unaccompanied foreign minors. By focusing on co-production, this process ensures that local knowledge informs European-level discussions, rather than the other way around.
Why municipalities matter
At ESN, we actively promote the participation of our members, particularly local authorities, in the International Working Tables. Participating in the International Working Tables allows municipalities to bring local priorities into the European debate, and exchange experiences in a structured and meaningful way. It also offers visibility and recognition at transnational, national, and local levels, while enabling direct contributions to the drafting of the Letter of Intent.
The outcome of this process is an advocacy document that can be used at local, national, and European levels. It reflects shared commitments and practical solutions grounded in real-life experience, reinforcing the role of municipalities as key actors in shaping effective and inclusive protection systems.
Steering innovation at European level
Through NEAR to Guardians, ESN demonstrates how innovation in social services is driven by connecting evidence, practice, and policy. By linking a needs-based training programme with international working tables, we are not only supporting professionals on the ground but also fostering alignment of best practices across Europe. This integrated approach strengthens guardianship systems and contributes to more inclusive pathways for unaccompanied migrant children, rooted in local realities and shared European values.
For further information on the project’s training modules, please consult the training platform available here.
