Giving Compass' Take:
- Migration Policy Institute hosts a discussion on supporting unaccompanied immigrant children in the U.S. after they are released from federal custody.
- What can local communities do to support unaccompanied children?
- Learn more about protecting the rights of unaccompanied children.
What is Giving Compass?
We connect donors to learning resources and ways to support community-led solutions. Learn more about us.
Early 2021 saw record-setting numbers of unaccompanied children arriving at the southwest border, accompanied by much public scrutiny over their care while in federal custody. Less attention has been paid, however, to what happens once the children are released from federal custody into the care of family or other sponsors in communities across the United States. While the minors await immigration proceedings, what case management, legal services, and federal follow-up exist? What are local communities doing to support these children and what challenges persist?
This webinar features findings from a recent MPI report examining the process of releasing children to sponsors, the current structure of federal post-release services, and the most significant needs these children and their U.S. sponsors experience. The discussion considered what the recent increase in arrivals means for the children, the communities where they live, and schools they attend. Speakers explored efforts by philanthropic, state, and local actors to address the needs of this population and their communities, what service gaps exist, and key recommendations to improve access to services.
Listen to the full discussion about unaccompanied children at Migration Policy Institute.