> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://avid-detention.gitbook.io/avid-handbook/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://avid-detention.gitbook.io/avid-handbook/removal-return-and-deportation/family-returns-process.md).
# Family Returns Process
Families with minor children who have no leave to remain in the UK are now managed by the Home Office under the Family Return Process (FRP) \[1]. The FRP was introduced following the Coalition government’s commitment in 2010 to cease the detention of children for immigration purposes. Minor children are still detained and forcibly removed from the UK, but the Family Return Process only allows for the detention of children up to a maximum of seven days at any one time (and 24 hours for unaccompanied children), and the number of children detained has gone down significantly since the introduction of these reforms (see also [People considered unsuitable for detention and statutory time limits](/avid-handbook/who-can-be-detained/people-considered-unsuitable-for-detention-and-statutory-time-limits.md)).
The Family Returns Process offers families the chance to leave the UK on a voluntary basis in the early stage of the process. If voluntary options are not taken up the process becomes progressively more coercive (‘assisted return’ is superseded by ‘required return’ and finally by ‘ensured return’). Detention of children must be authorised by the Home Office Independent Family Returns Panel after welfare considerations are taken into account.
Families with minor children detained prior to removal are now detained only at a discrete facility for families at Tinsley House, and then only for a maximum of seven days. Most visitors are therefore unlikely to meet detained parents and their minor children during any detained element of the Family Returns Process. Families going through the Family Returns Process will require immigration legal advice from a solicitor or Level 3 IAA advisor.
Source: Home Office, (2013), Evaluation of the new family returns process. Research Report 78 [2]
***
1. [Family Returns Process, Home Office guidance](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6895e206586f9c9360656a1f/Family+returns+process+_FRP_.pdf)
2. [Evaluation of the new family return process, Home Office research report, 2013](https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/264658/horr78.pdf)
---
# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.
## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.
Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:
```
GET https://avid-detention.gitbook.io/avid-handbook/removal-return-and-deportation/family-returns-process.md?ask=&goal=
```
`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.
Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.
