Professionals and Practitioner’s Perception on Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic and related challenges on Unaccompanied Minors in Sweden

Abstract: Covid-19 pandemic has affected lives in negative ways globally and these impacts on unaccompanied minors who are already disadvantaged and marginalized, are positioningthem at high risk in the society. This study aimed to examine the professionals and practitioners’ perception on the impact of Covid-19 pandemic and related challenges on unaccompanied minors in Sweden. A qualitative inductive research approach wasfollowed, conducting semi-structured interviews with professionals/practitioners such as teachers, foster parent, legal guardian and social worker focusing on the individual meanings and importance of reporting the complexity of the situation. The empirical data was analyzed using caringscapes/carescapes framework and intersectionality theory to understand how time, place and space affect different sets of identities of individuals experience of pandemic. The findings indicate the school space/place plays a very important role in overall wellbeing of unaccompanied minors. Furthermore, the challenges faced under the new law on upper secondary level studies and the negativeimpacts during pandemic