This contribution presents multinational research conducted between 2011 and 2012 that explores the living conditions and current situation of 'unaccompanied foreign minors' who are unprotected in different European countries (Belgium, Spain, France and Italy). The first article discusses a number of methodological issues (achievements, limits, possible clues) that may be useful in future studies of this population. The second part summarizes the main results showing the hetereogeneity of compiled profiles, the different living conditions of this population based on the studied geographic context, and finally, the main reasons for the institutional vulnerability and consequent social exclusion of this population.
minors; migrants; unaccompanied foreign minors; child protection; vulnerability