A study on "best practices in the field of the return of minors" was carried out by ECRE, in strategic partnership with Save the Children, on behalf of the European Commission. The study looked at legislation and practice regarding the return of children, either unaccompanied or within families, who return voluntarily or are forced to return because of their status as illegally staying third country nationals. The study covered the 27 EU Member States and the 4 Schengen Associated States (Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland). Further research was also conducted in seven selected countries of return: Afghanistan, Angola, Kosovo, Morocco, Nigeria, Sri Lanka and Ukraine. Information was gathered through research and interviews with relevant stakeholders involved in the return of children in all the countries covered as well as at the regional and supranational level. The aim of the study is to help Member States develop an effective system for how to consider the return of children to countries outside of the EU.