MRS: Providing Safe Passage to Unaccompanied Children from Central America

Providing Safe Passage to Unaccompanied Children from Central America 

1. Overview of the Situation

• The U.S. has seen a dramatic rise in unaccompanied children migrating from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras.
• From 2003–2011, an average of 6,775 children arrived annually; by FY 2014, the number was projected to reach 90,000.
• A 2013 USCCB delegation report identifies key drivers of migration:
  • Weak social institutions and limited support systems
  • Family abuse and strain
  • Lack of economic and educational opportunity
  • Environmental pressures
  • Primary factor: widespread violence and collapse of rule of law, creating fear and insecurity

2. Catholic Teaching Foundations

• The Church emphasizes the sanctity of family and the duty to protect vulnerable populations.
• Strangers No Longer (2003) highlights the special vulnerability of unaccompanied children and advocates for compassionate policies that preserve families.
• Catholic teaching frames service to migrant children as a response to Christ’s call to welcome the stranger and care for the little ones.

3. Promoting Permanency for Children

A. Family Reunification

• USCCB/MRS Children’s Services works through 210+ social service agencies nationwide.
• Reunification services serve as an alternative to detention, allowing children to live safely with family during immigration proceedings.
• Supports include:
  • Legal referrals
  • Medical and mental health services
  • School enrollment
  • Orientation to community resources
• Goal: ensure safe placement, strengthen families, and reduce risks for family breakdown.

B. Foster Care

• Through 12 Unaccompanied Refugee Minor (URM) programs, USCCB/MRS provides community‑based residential care.
• Programs are federally funded, state‑licensed, and integrated with state child‑welfare systems.
• Services include:
  • Transitional foster care for children in federal custody awaiting reunification
  • Long‑term foster care for children without sponsors who are applying for or receive immigration relief
• Placements include foster homes, group homes, and supervised independent living for older youth.

4. How Individuals and Agencies Can Help

• Partner with USCCB/MRS to provide home studies and post‑release services if your agency has relevant expertise.
• Become a foster parent in states where programs exist (TX, MI, AZ, VA, NY, CA, WA, MS, FL, UT); others may contact LIRS or the federal program.
• Support local Catholic Charities with donations or volunteer service (clothing, hygiene items, food, funds).
• Donate to national USCCB/MRS funds such as the National Catholic Fund for Migration and Refugee Services or Passing on Hope.
• Advocate through the Justice for Immigrants Campaign to protect humane policies and oppose cuts to services for these children.
• Access resources through the USCCB Unaccompanied Migrant Children Resource Kit.
• Join the conversation with #WeAreOneFamily.

Children-s-Services-Reponse-to-Humanitarian-Crisis-final.pdf