Who We Are
Migration and Refugee Services' Legal and Child Advocate Program launched in November 2014 and is funded by the Office of Refugee Resettlement’s Department of Children’s Services (ORR/DCS). The program serves children in immigration proceedings who have been released from federal custody to their families and other caregivers. Most unaccompanied children are released from custody without having had their immigration hearings and are not appointed government-funded attorneys.
What We Do
Legal Representation in Immigration Proceedings
In partnership with Catholic Charities of Los Angeles; Houston; Baltimore; DC; Arlington; New Orleans and Catholic Legal Services of Miami, USCCB/MRS provides direct legal representation for children in immigration proceedings.
The Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc., CLINIC, builds the capacity of MRS' network of legal providers through technical assistance, training, and monitoring.
Child Advocacy Services
Children identified as being especially vulnerable may be referred to the child advocate program. Child advocates ensure the best interest of the child underlies all decision-making within the immigration process and that children and their families are active participants in decisions impacting the care and custody of the child.
Child Advocates assess children’s short term and long term protection needs and make recommendations for the children’s safety, permanency, and well-being, in the form of Best Interest Recommendations that are submitted to the immigration court. Child Advocates also provide referrals to other needed services in the community as well as ensure that children who return to their home country receive assistance with repatriation and reintegration. MRS partners with International Social Service- USA branch to provide international case management for cases requiring an international home study, document tracing, or facilitation of an intercountry family team meeting.
Find out more details about the program by reading this statement from USCRI and USCCB! For more information and additional resources please visit our resource page.
How You Can Help
If you know a child who has been released from ORR/DCS custody in need of legal representation in Los Angeles, Houston, New Orleans, Miami, Washington DC, Virginia, or Baltimore, email us at @email and we will direct your referral.
Donate Now
Help our Legal and Child Advocate program by making a tax-deductible contribution.
If you are in New York, Florida, or Washington, DC, make your donation online. Residents of other states should visit the National Catholic Fund for Migration and Refugee Services.