Migration and Refugee Services at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops works with a national network of 12 state licensed Unaccompanied Refugee Minor (URM) foster care programs for the on-going care of unaccompanied children. Most of these programs are administered through Catholic Charities agencies. In turn, the URM programs:
  • Train fosterfamilies with cross-cultural experience, interest and sensitivity
  • Develop continuum of care options for children with varying placement and service needs
  • Provide intensive, culturally sensitive, trauma-informed case management
  • Assist children to access medical care, dental care and mental health services
  • Connect children with mentors to provide mature guidance and develop lasting relationships
  • Coordinate recreational/social activities to foster group cohesion among children in program
  • Collaborate with schools and service providers in community about the needs of foreign-born children
  • Connect children with tutoring opportunities and English classes to increase educational success
  • Assist with immigration legal services, including applying for relief and adjustment of status
  • Help children set, and achieve, educational and vocational goals
  • Assist children in preparation for independent living
  • Assist with family tracing and family reunification, if appropriate
  • Provide indirect financial support for basic necessities like housing and clothing
  • Support children with their integration into U.S. society and local community while helping them maintain a connection to their heritage culture and religion