My Coming of Age Story (CO.A.ST)
My Coming of Age Story (CO.A.ST) is a two-year, EU co-funded project (2024–2026) dedicated to improving legal and psychosocial support for unaccompanied and separated children as they approach adulthood.
Led by the Italian Council for Refugees (CIR), and carried out in partnership with leading organizations across six EU member states, CO.A.ST focuses on strengthening guardianship systems, empowering legal representatives, and ensuring that young refugees and migrants receive the protection and guidance they are entitled to.
Unaccompanied children in Europe face unique challenges as they navigate asylum procedures, integration processes, and the difficult transition to adulthood. Guardians—those legally responsible for protecting these children—play a central role in safeguarding their rights.
However, guardians often face:
Complex and diverse legal cases
Gaps in training and resources
Different national guardianship systems with varying levels of support
CO.A.ST addresses these challenges by improving training, knowledge-sharing, and collaboration across Europe.
The project’s mission is to:
Enhance training and qualifications of guardians, especially around legal and integration issues.
Facilitate cross-border exchange of best practices and practical tools.
Provide direct technical and legal support for guardians and legal representatives.
Strengthen collaboration and networking between guardians, lawyers, and other child protection actors.
Key Activities:
Research and analysis: mapping guardianship practices and identifying gaps.
Training and resources: developing tailored modules and practical tools for guardians.
Networking and support: building stronger connections between guardians, legal aid providers, and institutions.
Project partners:
Quick facts:
Project name: CO.A.ST (101141181-CO.A.ST-AMIF-2023-TF2-AG-CALL)
Duration: April 2024 – April 2026
Funding: European Union (AMIF)