Reform Efforts
Reform Efforts
The below efforts are ideas that could reform the current system causing immense harm to unaccompanied youth entering the country, some have been supported on a small scale by non-profits and/or government efforts but many are still not being utilized. These efforts would still exist in the current harmful system and should be considered as steps towards transformation, not the transformed state we hope to accomplish.
Expand legal protection and HHS services for unaccompanied children to unaccompanied youth to the age of 26, in alignment with the federal government's other services for unaccompanied youth. This expansion would ensure that 18-26 year olds entering the country alone are offered the same protections from detention and deportation, the same supports, and a longer window to receive assistance upon arrival.
Move all services to HHS/ACS for unaccompanied minors to ensure trauma-informed care within the system, certified, educated providers with accountability mechanisms. Currently ORR is not well equipped to offer these supports while ACS has more experience in oversight of the federal child welfare system. This move should not require the same licensing laws for family and sponsors but should align with those of a transformed system outlined in the child and family well-being justice pillar.
Full and immediate access to all extended foster care and Chafee services for youth who have experienced the immigration system.
Expanded access to reformed methods of “alternatives to detention.” These alternative forms would come with community-based social services and case management and not depend on the invasive surveillance tactics currently being utilized.
End the use of all unlicensed flex-shelter for unaccompanied children by expanding the resources necessary to offer family-based setting licensed shelters for any unaccompanied youth entering the country.