This means it is vital that statelessness and nationality problems are identified early on and assessed - and reassessed - as part of any return or readmission procedure, to establish whether return is genuinely feasible. Where return is neither realistic nor in a child’s best interests, they should be referred to regularisation routes such as a Statelessness Determination Procedure or another procedure to assess whether they may be granted a national form of protection or stable residence. WHAT CAN GUARDIANS DO? Guardians can help to prevent children being exposed to harmful and unworkable return and readmission processes, including by: • • • • • Raising concerns where a child’s nationality is unclear or undetermined during return procedures. Ensuring that best interests assessments identify and consider any indicators of statelessness or nationality problems, including the implications of this for the child in the country to which they are being returned, and share opinions with relevant authorities. Supporting access to quality legal assistance so that the child’s nationality status is properly examined and addressed as early as possible. Oversee the preparation of reintegration support measures if the child is to be returned, advocating that this must include ensuring the child’s birth is registered and acquiring (proof of) nationality, and ensure this is considered when monitoring reintegration. Advocating for alternative durable solutions for children affected by statelessness where return is unlikely to be appropriate or in their best interests, including advocating that the relevant authorities consider providing a route to long-term settlement and naturalisation. 4. Transition to adulthood The transition to adulthood can present significant challenges for children who are stateless or have undetermined nationality. Procedures to acquire nationality - either in the country of residence or in a country of birth or a parent’s nationality - often expire between the ages of 18 and 21. Children and young people may qualify for simplified procedures for acquiring nationality (e.g. entitlement to register as a national through a simple procedure or lower evidentiary requirements or reduced fees to naturalise), but often these routes to nationality are no longer accessible in adulthood. Often children are believed to hold - or be entitled to - a nationality, but if they do not have a valid document proving that nationality, they may need to take action to acquire or prove it. This could include registering with an embassy within a specific timeframe or gathering 6