Medical imaging services and analysis of imaging to determine chronological age

The Authority is responsible for the processing of asylum claims. This may be from individuals who are claiming to be minors, but who are undocumented and for whom there is reason to have doubts about their claim. The UK is one of only a handful of countries not to use scientific methods to support age assessment. There is a requirement for supplementing current age assessment techniques of young people/ adolescents/young adults, identifying those who are still developing against individuals who have reached physical maturity. We are seeking to supplement current techniques, which are predominantly social worker led assessments, with a scientific technique or combination of techniques. Specifically, the Authority is keen to understand the potential of a medical imaging approach combined with analysis of images to establish chronological age. It is estimated that the contract(s) will be let by mid-2022 for a minimum of three years.