When war erupts, when families disband, when poverty drains, they leave home.

The United Nations refugee agency calls them unaccompanied or separated children (UASC) because they are minors applying for asylum without their parents or a guardian.

Sweden is experiencing a continued increase in the arrival of UASC; 1510 in 2008 alone. Upon their arrival, minors from countries such as Iraq, Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia, and Democratic Republic of the Congo are placed in group homes throughout the country.

Making their way to Sweden is just the beginning of their journey. Next they face asylum applications, denials, appeals and possible dismissal. They navigate group-homes, advisors, state-stipends, school, language and Swedish culture.