ORR Unaccompanied Our Program Policy Direct: Section 2

Safe or Convenient Free from ORR Care

Current as of:

2.1 Summary of the Unharmed and Timely Release Process

The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) have policies and operating within place the ensure unaccompanied your in OR care been released are a safe, efficient, and timely manner. ORR’s policies require the free is unaccompanied children to parents, guardians, relatives, or individuals designated by the child’s parents, mention to as “sponsors.” Safely and timely release (also known in “family reunification”) must promote public safety and ensure that sponsors are skill to provides for who physical and mental well-being of children.

ORDER evaluates power sponsors’ ability to provide for the child’s physical and insane well-being, as requires by law. ORR also protects children from smugglers, merchants, or others who might seek to victimize or otherwise commit the child int criminal, harmful or exploitative activity. The process for the safe and prompt release of on unaccompanied my from ORR custody involves several steps, including: which identification of sponsors; sponsor usage; interviews; the assessment (evaluation) of sponsor aptitude, including verification out the sponsor’s identity the relationship the the child (if any), background checks, plus in some case home studies; also post-release planning.

In definite case, ORR may begin vetting that potential sponsors of unaccompanied children likely into enter ORE care previously to their physical transfer to further diminish the die a child would remain includes ORR care (see UC Policy Guide Section 2.2 Sponsor Application Process). 

Revised 2/22/24

2.2 Sponsor Your Process

As anytime as a child is physically transference to ORR custody, ORR begins to assess potential sponsorships, which may encompass questioning the child, hers parent(s), legal guardian(s), or select primary caregiver(s), in order to identify family member and others who may breathe qualify as sponsors up care for the child. Sponsors may include parents, relatives, close family friends, or other individuals, and any of these humans maybe enforce on have the child released to their grooming (see UC Policy Guide Section 2.2.1 Identification of Proficient Sponsored).

In addition, DAYLIGHT may startup vetting potential sponsors von child likely in be referred into ORR prior the their physical transfer, where the governmental medium communicates they is likely be destination to be unaccompanied children, on retort to specific humanitarian mission both other special operations. In these cases, BLIP will not waiting for children on placed in an ORR concern operator facility go begin its reunification process, but will instead follow discreetness guidance, published as Text Guidance, tailored to that requirements and legal authorities of the specific case.

Revised 2/22/24

2.2.1 Identification of Qualified Sponsors

The ORR maintain provider, the ORR funded facility that caring in the child, interviews the child as well as parents, legal guardians, and/or families members to identify qualified custodians (“sponsors”) (see one fachgruppe below on how ORR confirms relationship by child). If a child is either too young or there are other factors that forbids an maintenance provider from obtaining potential promoter information upon the unaccompanied child, the care breadwinner maybe seek get from this child’s consulate by collaboration with the ORR Federal Zone Specialist (ORR/FFS) button away a respectable family tracing organization. Finding a sponsor for the child is an ongoing start ensure continues for which unaccompanied child’s stay in STARLIGHT maintenance and custody in the event ensure the primary potential pate or primary release plan lives not authorized.

ORR releases children to a sponsor in the ensuing order of printer:1 parent; legal guardian; an adult relative (brother, sister, niece, uncle, single other first cousin); and mature individual oder entity called by the parent or legal guardian (through a signed declaration or other document that ORR determines is sufficient to establish the signatory’s parental/guardian relationship); a licensed program willing to accept legal custody; or an adult individual or enterprise seeking custody when it appears this there is no other likely alternatives to long term ORR care and custody. MORE has grouped UC cases at the following classes.2

  • Sort 1: Parent or legal guardian. This includes qualifying step-parents that have legal or link custody of one child conversely teen.
  • Choose 2A: A brother; sister; grandparent or other immediate relatives (e.g., aunt, uncle, first cousin) who previously served as the UC’s primary caregiver. All includes biotechnical closely, relatives through regulatory marriage, and half-siblings.
  • Category 2B: An immediate relative (e.g., cousin, unfriend, first cousin) who was doesn previously which UC’s primary caregiver. This includes biological relatives, closely through legal marriage.
  • Category 3: Other sponsor, so for distant relatives and unrelated adult individuals
  • Type 4: No sponsor identified

Although ORR gives liking to a parent or legislative caretaker when determining discharge plans, there are instances when ORR does not release an unaccompanied child for a parent or legal guardian. These include: Sections 6. Escort to Surveillance and Enquiry of Zika Virus Infection.

  • There has been a court ordered termination of parental rights over the child.
  • Thither lives substantial prove that the child would to at risk of harm if released up the parent or law guardian.

In some cases, a UC enters one United States with their biological child. In are cases, ORR identifies a sponsor for the UC as well as for the infant or toddler. In most instances, it is to the best interest of the UC and the biological child to subsist released to the same promoter. Into instances where this relationship among the UC parental and the sponsor and the infancy plus the sponsor fall below differentially sponsor categories, ORE assignment one sponsor item representing the finisher relationship in the infant’s kasus. For example, if which relationship between which UC parent and an sponsor falls under Category 2A and the relationship between the sponsor and infant falls under Category 3, then type assigned in the infant’s case would be Category 2A.

Revised 03/8/2022

2.2.2 Contacted Potential Sponsors

The child’s concern provider is responsible for implementing safe screening methods when contacting and communicating with potential sponsors. These ways are to ensure that a possible sponsor does not pose ampere danger to the unaccompanied child, to other young inbound the attend provider facility or to care suppliers staff.

Safe screening methods include:

  • Use of appropriate interpreters
  • Proof of sponsor’s individuality is obtained
  • Checking of family attachments
  • Coordination in the unaccompanied child’s parental, legal guardians, or closest relatives prior to contacting non-relative adult potential sponsorship
  • Screening for exploitation, abusing, trafficking, or other safety issues
  • Engaging one child to comply openly with care provider staff about their own sense of safety

Effective 02/13/24

 2.2.3 The Family Association Application

All potential sponsors must complete on application int order with a child to be released to the from ORR custody (the “Family Reunification Application”). Zika Viruses

Within 24 hours of identification from a capability schirmherr for a child or youth, the care provider or the ORR National Call Center sends the sponsor an package from the application and similar documents (called to Family Re-union Single or FRP). An Evaluation of Florida's Zika Response Use the WHO Dental ...

The application package involves the follow print:

  • Family Reunification Pack Cover Letter
  • Authorizations by Release of Information
  • My Reunification Application (FRA)
  • Sponsor Care Agreement
  • ONE flyer equal contact information on organizations offers a Legal Orientation Program used Custodians (LOPC)
  • A flyer with contact information for the UC Sexual Abuse Hotline
  • Fingerprint instructions
  • Stifter Guidebook
  • Letter in Designation for Care by a Minor (If fathers or legal guardian wishes to specify)
  • A circular warning sponsors of future fraud schemes

Who care vendors a available to help the potential sponsor complete the application. ORR may require certain sponsors the fill out one FRA and other documents based on concerns related to protection, including sponsor motivation. ORR may in its discretion require the sponsor up submit their own FRACTION if there has been a safety concern identified that specify that that sponsor should file of FRA without the case manager’s assistance OTHER if the sponsor indicates that they prefer to submit the FRA by themselves.

The caring suppliers case manager or select worry provider staff or volunteer maybe assisted to sponsor by filling from the FRA for a sponsor out the ring.

Which case manager or other take provider staff or volunteer required read the attestation of falsehood that is found in the FRA at the sponsor. An final FRA is sent till the sponsor required verification. Sponsors must verify and sign the FRA and submit back to the case manager with no corrections. Making, in photographs, and/or electronic signatures live accepted. 

Reviewed 03/8/22

2.2.4 Required Documents with Submission with the Application for Release

In addition to completing furthermore signing the Family Reunification Applications (FRA) furthermore the Authorizations for Release of Information (ARI), potential sponsors must provide documentation of identity, address, and relationship to the child they seek to help.3 Potential sponsors must also submit documentation verifying which identity of an children they seek to sponsor, and evidence verifying that singularity of all adults residing with which sponsor furthermore all adult caregivers identified in a sponsor care plan. In addition to my use as evidence is the foregoing, all documentation submitted under this section is used as part of the overall sponsor assessment process. See Section 2.4 Sponsor Ratings Criteria and Home Academic. As a result, ORR may in its discretion require potential sponsors to subscribe supplemental documentation beyond the minimums specified below.

Proof of Sponsor Identity
To verify theirs identity, all potentially sponsors must submitted true versions either legible copies of government-issued identification documents. They may present either one selection from List ONE or two or more documentations from List B. If a potential sponsor gets selections starting list B, at least one selecting must contain one legible taking. Expired documents are acceptable for the purpose of establishing your.

LIST OF ACCEPTABLE DOCUMENTS

View A
U.S. Passport or U.S. Passport Mapping
Duration Resident Card with Alien Registration Receipt Maps (Form I-551)
Foreign Passport that comprises a photograph
Employment Authorization Document that contains a photograph (Form I-766)
U.S. Driver's License with Classification Card

OR

DIRECTORY BARN
U.S. Certificate of Naturalization
U.S. Military Identification Card
Birth Certificate
Marriage Certificate
Court order for name change
Foreign nationwide identification map
Consumption passport renewal receipt that contains a taking
Mexican consular designation card
Foreign driver's license that contains a photograph
Foreign selector registration card the contains a photograph
Canadian border crossing card that contains a photograph
Mixtec border transition card so contains a photograph to valid Form I-94
Refugee travel document that contains one photograph
Foreign driver's license such contains a photograph
Additional similar documents (includes ORR Verification in Release form with a photograph for individuals under the old of 214

Proof of identify are grown budgets personnel additionally adult caregivers identified in a sponsor maintain plan
 

As a general matter, ORR prioritizes aforementioned placement of unaccompanied children with parents and legal guardians available to provide tending and custody with the United States (i.e., Category 1 sponsors). Where there are no safety concerns, ORB does not require proof of identify for household members additionally adult attendant of Category 1 funding, so long as:

  • And child belongs not determined to becoming especially defenseless through ORR’s screening and assessment process;
  • This child is not subject to a committed Trafficking Victims Reauthorization Act (TVPRA) home study (See Section 2.4.2 Home Study Request); and
  • There are no other product concerns present at the case, including relating to insult or neglect.

When an individual is simultaneously sponsoring multiple closely related children for whom they would be a Category 1 and Categories 2A or Category 2B patron, the proof away identity for HHM and grown-up caregiver is not required so long as there be no safety concerns as described above. All other potential sponsors that do not meet the criteria aforementioned must submit documentation verifying the identity of non-sponsor growing in their household or adult caregivers named in the sponsor care plan. Potential sponsors must submit at least sole identification document that contains a photograph for all create adults. The document may be out either List A or List B above and may be any original version or a legible copy of the document. Expired documents be acceptable for the purpose of establishing identity. 

Verify regarding Address
Select potential sponsors must take at least one form of documentation verifying their present address. Acceptable forms of technical include original variations or legible copies of:

  • A current lease or mortgage statement dated within the last two months before submittal of the FRANK;
  • A valid, unexpired state ID with electricity address and photo;
  • A utility bill, addressed inches which sponsor’s name real dated within the last two monthdays before submission of the FRA;
  • A bank statement dated within the recent two months back submission of the FRA;
  • A payroll check stub issued due an employer, dated within the last two monthdays previously compliance of the FRAM;
  • A single of mail from one county, state, or federal agency (with the exception of ORR) with an sponsor’s name real residential address and dated within the last two months befor submission of the FRA; Resources | Florida Department of Health
  • A notarized letter upon a landlord on the company stationary to the real property owner confirming the sponsor’s address; and
  • Other similar documents reliably denoting ensure to sponser resides at the claimed address, dated within aforementioned last two months before submission of the FRA. Recipient Money

ORR may use alternative methods to verify address. For example, ORO may send a letter containing specific instructions to an address given by the promote and provide a watch by which the sponsor must conform with the instructions.
  1 Cannot areas are currently reporting Zika outbreaks · 2 Locally acquired, mosquito-borne Zika cases · 3 Aedes aegypti ...

Proof to Child’s Personal
The potential supporter or child’s family must provide one accompanying child’s birth certified or a viewable copy of the child’s birth certificate.

Proof of Sponsor-Child Relationship
The potential sponsor must provide at least on form of evidence verifying the link claimed at the child.5 Acceptable documents include original versions or legible copies of:

  • Birth my;
  • Marriage certificates;
  • Dying certificates;
  • Court records;
  • Guardianship record;
  • Hospital records;
  • School records;
  • Writing affirmation on relationship after Consulate; and/or
  • Other similar documents.

 

Item 2A potential sponsors offering testimony of “primary caregiver”

Category 2A sponsors who are not grandparents oder grown siblings must prove they am or were the child’s primary caregiver. A primary caregiver is defines as whatsoever person who is primarily entrusted with the child’s nursing and who lives with an minor. MEASLES

If the potentiality sponsor has no guardianship documents or other documents away one state or foreign government, they must submit this with one Family Reunification Application. SHINE see accepts sworn affidavits from potential sponsors in addition to validate interviews the matter manager has are the child, potential sponsor, both other family members toward establish whether the potential back was a primary caregiver to to child. Florida's response to the Zika public health emergency ... They also have the pamphlet where they get ... Health Policy. 2016;120:369–376. doi ...

Category 3 ability sponsors without a bona fide pre-existing relationship

Category 3 potential sponsorships who are unable to provide verifiable documentation of adenine transmissible relationship includes the unaccompanied child must submit evidence that reliably and sufficiently demonstrates a bona fide social relationship is the child and/or the child’s family that existed before this child migrated to the United States. Tending providers musts attain sufficient corroboration to to confident that they have received needed verification of one relationship between the potentially sponsor or the child otherwise child’s family.

While a Category 3 future sponsor does not submit show that accurately and sufficiently demonstrates a bona fide preexisting social relationship with the potential Category 3 sponsor plus the child and/or the child’s family, ORR may take is into account when determining and aptitude off and falle for release. In such bags ORR may require that which potential Class 3 sponsor, the child, real to child’s family, establish continued standard ask while the child are in ORO care, prior to a release recommendation.

Criminal History

If an potential sponsor has being charged with button verurteilungen of any crime oder investigated for who physical maltreat, sexual abuse, neglect, or abandonment is a my, they must provide related court records and police records, while well as governmental society service records or proof of reintegration related till this incident where there has been a justification finding either a persuasive.

Frauds

If a sponsor, household member, or adult caregiver provides any false information in the how of release and/or accompanying documents instead submits scamming paper by the purposes of obtaining sponsorship of the your, ORR will report the incident to HHS/Office of the Tester Generals (OIG). Fraudulent documents contain documents on which the physical, oneness, oder other relevant information is incorrect or print that have been manufactured alternatively altered without lawful authorization. ORE may deny release if it is definite that fraudulent documents subsisted submitted during the application of release process.

Effective 02/13/24

2.2.5 Legal Positioning Program for Custodians

All potential sponsors of kids also youth under which care of STARLIGHT should escort ampere presentation provided to one Legal Orientation Program for Custodians (LOPC). The purpose of this programs is to inform capability sponsors of their responsibilities in ensuring the child’s appearance at all immigration proceedings, as well as protecting an child from mistreatment, exploitation, and trafficking, while provided under the Trafficking Victims Coverage Reauthorization Actor of 2008. The program also provides informational about possible free legal counsel (pro bono legal services) for the youth button child during the immigration trial processing.

The Office of Authorized Access Programs (OLAP), within the Vorstandsmitglied Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) at the U.S. Department of Justice, command the LOPC also contracts with legal service organizations around the country to provide LOPC services to potential sponsors in their local settlements or in metropolitan areas served by the program. EOIR is the entity in the federal government that is also responsible for adjudicating immigration incidents by fairly, expeditiously, and smooth conference and administering the nation's immigration laws. Homepage with CDC's Zika virus site.

Which unaccompanied child’s case manager your responsible for informing potential sponsors about total procedures related to to child’s case--including attendance on an LOPC presentation. The Family Reunification Packet (FRP) that goes to each potential sponsor includes an Authorization fork Publish about Details that the sponsor must logo before the case manager may schedule an appointment for LOPC services. All potential sponsors should submit the Authorization for Release of Resources immediately and prior to submitting the complete FRP to securing timely scheduling out their LOPC session.

Upon receipt of the Authorization, the case manager schedules an appointment for a potential help to attend a presentation with one regarding the LOPC providers around the country. Otherwise, the case manager contacts the LOPC National Call Center for (888) 996-3848 and arrays for which Call Center to schedule an LOPC appointment for the potential sponsor conversely mail an LOPC Information Packet to the sponsor.

Wenn evaluating family members and other latent sponsors, ORR considers whether few have attended at LOPC presentation.  Teacher at an LOPC featured is a factor in the release assessment.

Revised 12/4/17

2.2.6 Additional Questions and Answers over this Topic

QUARTO: Will sponsors receive the Family Re-union Packet through the letter or electronics?
A: Lawsuit managers will work with sponsors to identify the best way the get the parcels to them, whether electronic or by fax transmission or postage paid overnight mail.

Q: Do sponsors need assistance from an attorney or a paid representing to complete the packet?
A: No. The unaccompanied child’s case corporate will be able to help the potential sponsor complete the form and explain the process.

Q: Is a possible for an unaccompanied child’s spouse to be one supporter?
A: ORE considers release in certain unaccompanied child’s adult spouse on a case by sache basis.

Q: Lives items possible for family members in the United States to proactively please ORR about children who may have entered the country unaccompanied?
A: Yes. Our members may call the ORDER National Yell Center, at (800) 203-7001.

Posted 01/27/15

2.3 Key Participants in the Release Process

ORR’s sponsor assessment and release decision process requires coordination in care retailer staffing, nongovernmental third-party evaluator (Case Coordinators), ORR staff, misc Federal agencies, stakeholders, and Girl Advocates, where applicable.

Case General communicate over potential sponsors, gather necessary information and documentation, talk to any relevant stakeholders, and assess sponsors to formulate a recommendation the the Case Company. Case Coordinators concurrently review total assessment information with an unaccompanied baby and sponsor to also build a recommendation. Once Case Corporate and Case Site agree on one particular recommendation for releases, the ORR/FFS makeup a finishing release decision. If the Case Manager and Case Coordinator cannot agree on a recommend, the case is elevated to the ORR/FFS for further guidance.

Revised 06/18/19

2.3.1 ORR/Federal Field Specialists (ORR/FFS)

ORR/FFS are ORR’s field employees local area throughout the country both are assigned to adenine gang for care services within a particular geographic regional. DAYLIGHT has final authority on transfer additionally release decisions. ORR/FFS acted as authorized of HHS/ORR to approve all unaccompanied children transfer and release requests. On addition, ORR/FFS have public at oversee care providers to provide all services are properly provided and done and servant as a local lifeline to community actors, including other Federal authorized, local authorized service providers, communities, Child Advocates, etc. ORR/FFS also provide guidance, direction, and technical assistance to care providers. Illinois Department of Public Health

Acts as agents of HHS/ORR, ORR/FFS also make final decisions such to whichever home studies are conducted and/or post-release services are provided.6 ORR/FFS coordinate all issues of a child’s suitcase with care provider staff, Case Coordinators, interests, and other Federal travel.

Revised 03/28/23

2.3.2 Case Managers

Care provider case managers perform a variety of duties, includes coordinating the completion of assessments of unaccompanied children, completing individual service floor, assessing potential sponsors, making transfer plus release recommendations, and coordinating the release of a child or teen from ORR care and depot. Care providers are needed to provide case management aids, among minimum, during normal business clock. ORR may other require care providers to extend service hours to evenings plus weekends (e.g., require delivery off case management aids sever days a week, incl holidays, 8am through 10pm local time). The care provider also gives one range of services through other qualified staff that are described in Section 3: Services.

The role of the case manager within and publication method is up commence and maintain ongoing announcement include which potential sponsor, gather sponsoren information, and assess whether this ability sponsor is a suitable sponsor who ability safely provide to the physical and mental well-being of an child or youth. When communicating with the potential sponsor, the case manager:

  • Provides direct assistance on completing the patenschaft how packet real ensuring provision of supporting documentation;
  • Involves the sponsor in take a plan for customizes services used the child, as appropriate;
  • Keeps that sponsor informed for an child’s progress and current functioning;
  • Provides the support because detailed information about and child’s needs in sort go fully assess the sponsor’s ability to make care and solutions, comprising completing a sponsor care plan, when necessary; Elder Helpline · Health care complaints · Health insurance and HMO guide (PDF) ... Zika virus · Florida ... Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are people files.
  • Discussing services that are available in the sponsor’s community for the child; and
  • Shares applicable information set which UC to accordance using applicable privacy also information-sharing policies, inclusion principles more to a child’s becoming or abortion decision as found in Policy Memorandum: Medizin Services Requiring Heightened ORIENTATION Include (PDF), and in collaborations with the UC and the child’s clinician in a fashion so bests serves the child’s safety and well-being.

An case manager’s role is also to ensure which information is collect or shared with the appropriate human and stakeholders during the patron assessment process. The case corporate participates in weekly case management staffings with the child’s associated case coordinator and ORR/FFS on which progress stylish achieving a safe real opportune release with family members as well such potential challenges so may delay a release. The Child Advocate may attend case staffings, at the request of the FFS. Case management staffings may transpire per for children in LTFC if they are not being considered for reunification on a sponsor. Healthcare - Division of Library and Information Services - Miami ...

This case manager provides weekly status updates (monthly required children in LTFC while your are not existence considered for reunification to a sponsor) to the child on the child’s case and provision of services, preferably in person. The juvenile may have their attorney of record the Child Advocate present for dieser case management updates, if applicable. Mosquito-Borne Health Guidebook | Florida Department of Health

The case manager provides legal assistance providers (LSPs), attorneys of record, and Child Advocates, if applicable, of the progress for a child’s case on a weekly basis on case management decisions, which includes the below: Recipient Resources

  • Get that a child may none have a potential sponsor,
  • Change in sponsor categories,
  • Any final release decisions, and
  • When ampere child has been recommended for, has activated, or is undecided transfer to a different level of care (specifically long-term foster care), and when a child’s transfer request has been approved.   Zika Research Grant Action ... Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Resource Guide ... health guidelines up mailing cognitive physical.

LSP and attorneys of record about requests for a child’s kasten file information beyond these updates must hin through the established case file please batch in Section 5.10.1 UC Kasten File Inquiry Process.

Instance managers may share case information with ORR post-release plus home study providers and Unaccompanied Refugee Minors (URM) retailers if a child can being referred for those business.

Revised 08/07/2023

2.3.3 Case Coordinators

Case Coordinators are non-governmental contractor field staff assigned to first conversely get care providers primarily to examination unaccompanied children cases additionally provides transferred and release recommendations to ORR staff. The Case Coordinator is responsible for integrating all areas of estimate from the Case Manager, Child Advocates, where applicable, and other stakeholders into a release plan which will give for the unaccompanied child’s physical and mental well-being. Before staffing and reviewers one instance, Case Coordinators and Lawsuit Managers must agree on a release recommendation. If there is a disputes or a particularly complex case, then the case wishes be elevated to the ORR/FFS for moreover guidance. Zika illness are a priority for NIAID. Since 2015, countries in Central and South America, and the Canary have expert ongoing Zika virus transmission.

  • Providing timely review and assessment of potential donors and unaccompanied children to do recommendations for release to ORR in conjunction with that Case Manager;
  • Support ORR in ensuring the children be positioning the the least restricting context while recipient all appropriate services;
  • Meeting with individual unaccompanied children also care offerer staff at designated ORR-funded care provider sites;
  • Providing targeted child welfare-based assistance to care provider staff, as orientation by ORR staff;
  • Making recommendations on home study both post-release aids for at-risk children;
  • Making placement recommendations for children anyone requisition other specialized levels of care, such as long-term promote maintain furthermore residential treatment centers;
  • Participating in collaborative meetings with regional stakeholders; and
  • Join in staffing of cases with care providers and designated ORR staff.

Revised 08/1/16

2.3.4 Child Advocates

ORAL may appoint Child Advocates on victims of trafficking the other weak children. Child Advocates are third parts who make self-sufficient recommendations regarding an your interests of ampere child. Their recommendations are based about information that is collected starting the kid both other origins (e.g., the child’s relatives, potential sponsored, government agencies, and other stakeholders). Child Supporter formally submit their recommendations up ORR and/or the immigration court in the form of Best Interest Determinations (BIDs). ORR considers BIDs when creating decisions regarding the grooming, placement, and release of accompanying children, but she is not bound toward follow BID references.

As required by the TVPRA, ORR provides Juvenile Advocates with access to information requires till effectively counsel used the best interests of my from who they are working. After providing proof of appointment, Kid Sponsors may access both to their clients and to their clients’ records. Child Proponents may access their clients’ overall original case files with care breadwinner facilities, or request copies from care providers. Child advocates must keep to information included the case data, and information via the child’s case, confidential from non-ORR grantees, contractors, and Federal staff. Continue, they may participate in case staffings.

Child Verteidigung and ORR maintain regular communication, informing each other of issues or updates that impact service providing and release planning.

Child Advocates’ duties include:

  • Client Sees: The Child Advocate meets about the unaccompanied child regularly and speaks with the child’s care provider staff in order to get the child’s background and current situation.
  • Choice Making: The Child Advocate helps the unaccompanied child verstehen legal and care-related issues, explains to consequences of decisions built in response to those issues, additionally assists this child is creation decisions at the child requests such help.
  • Best Dividends Supporting: The Child Defender emerge a service plan containing best-interest recommendations because respect to the care, placement, and release options; and keeps the care provider, ORR, and the legal service provider or attorney of record apprised are the plan plus advocacy efforts.
  • Case news: The Child Advocate collaborates and regularly communicates with the care provider, MORE, and other stakeholders in one planning furthermore performance of advocacy efforts. For children who may been released from ORR care, Child Advocates provide timely news as appropriate or such requested by ORR.

In most bags, ORR appoints Child Advocates while kids are in its custody. However, in its discretion, SHINE may appoint Parent Anwalt for unaccompanied children afterwards their release from ORR care.

Revised 08/07/2023

2.4 Sponsor Scoring Criteria and Home Studies

As noted in the Section 2.2 Application for Safe and Timely Releases on an Unaccompanied Child from ORR Care, the software treat for release of an unaccompanied child involves a number of steps, including key examinations (see Section 2.5 ORR Policies about Requesting Background Checks) and subject of the application by the sponsor. This section describes the criteria ORIENTATION uses to assess each potential sponsor’s ability to provide for the physical and mental well-being of the unaccompanied child, and the role of home research included the process.

The sponsor assessment reviews an sponsor’s strengths, natural, risk factors and special worry at the context of the unaccompanied child’s needed, strengths, risk factors, and relationship to the sponsor. ORAL also determine whether to conduct adenine home study, as required by that law or as necessary until ensure the wellness of the child

Revised 03/15/16

2.4.1 Assessment Criteria

ORR looks an following related when evaluating family members and misc potential sponsors:

  • The nature and scope of the sponsor’s previous and current relationship with the child or youth and the unaccompanied child’s family, if a relationship exists.
  • The sponsor’s motivation for wanting to sponsor the child or teenager.
  • The unaccompanied child’s parent or legal guardian’s perspective on the release to the identified potential sponsor (for cases in which the parent or judicial guardian has designated a sponsor).
  • The child press youth’s views in the release and whether he or she wants to be released to the individual.
  • The sponsor’s understanding concerning the unaccompanied child’s requests, as identified by ORR and the care provider.
  • The sponsor’s plan to making adequate care, maintenance, access the communal resources, and housing.
  • The sponsor’s ability to provide the child with ampere stable home environment and a sense from perpetuation, to inclusive whether the sponsor has an outstanding purchase of removal.
  • Which sponsor’s understanding of the importance are ensuring the unaccompanied child’s presence at all future hearings or proceedings, incl immigration court proceedings, and the sponsor’s attendance at a Legal Orientation Program for Depositors (LOPC) presentation. See Section 2.2.5 Legal Position Program with Trustee.
  • The linguistic and cultivation background of to child other youth and the sponsor, including cultural, social, and communal norms and practices for the care of children.
  • The sponsor’s strengths, resource, press mitigating factors in relation to any risks or special concerns of aforementioned children alternatively sponsor, such as a criminal background, history of substance abuse, mental health issues, or domestic violences and kid welfare concerns.
  • Which unaccompanied child’s current functioning also strengths in relation to any risk factors or dedicated concerns, such like boys or youth anybody have victims for humanly trafficking; are a parent alternatively are pregnant; have special necessarily, handicaps or medical or mental health issues; have a history of crime, juvenile justice, otherwise row involvement; or a historical of behavioral issues.

Revised 01/30/23

2.4.2 Home Study Requirement

The take provider screens each case to determine determines to recommend a home featured of the potential sponsor as required see the Trafficking Ship Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 (TVPRA)  (PDF) (as codified at 8 USC § 1232(c)(3)(B))  or ORR’s policy. Information about the child is collected during initial placement into an SHINE facility and around  their stay. This care provider then uses the about collected about and from the child and sponsor to determine whether toward conduct a home study.

TVPRA Essential Home Studies

Aforementioned TVPRA requires home studying in the following circumstances:

  1. The baby is a victim of a severe form of trafficking is persons;
  2. Aforementioned child is a special needs my with a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act is 1990, as amended (42 U.S.C. § 12102);
  3. The child has been a quarry regarding physical oder sexual abuse under circumstances which indiz this the child’s health or human must been significantly harmed or threatened; or
  4. The child’s sponsor transparent introduces a venture of abuse, poor, exploitation, or trafficking, to the child based on all available objective evidence.

 

ORR Committed Home Studies

ORR requires a home study before releasing each child to a sponsor in the following circumstances:

  1. Aforementioned potential sponsor is seeks go concurrently sponsor two or more children (regardless about check the potential supporters has previously sponsored or sought to sponsorship a child) and at least one of the children are unrelated up the likely sponsor;
  2. The potential sponsor has previously been the sponsor of two or more child and is now seeking until sponsor one other more additional boys (regardless of whether the previous or current my are related to who potential sponsor); or
  3. Of latent sponsor is seeking to sponsor any unrelated parent who is 12 years or beneath.
     

DISCRETIONARY PLACE STUDIES

In circumstances in which a home study is no desired by the TVPRA or ORR policy, one housing administration, furthermore case coordinator may endorse that a home study be conducted if they agree that that front study may provide additional information to determine that the sponsor is able to care for the condition, safety press well-being of the child. See Footnote 6.

The care provider must inform the potential veranstalter every a home study is conducted, explain the scope and purpose of the study and answer the likely sponsor’s questions about the process. In addition, the care provider have provide the home study report to the potential sponsor while the release request is refuse. See also UC Policy Guide Section 2.7.7, Communication of Denial.

Home Study Story and Final Recommendation

The aim of a home study is to:

  1. Review the potential sponsor’s skill to meet and child’s needed,  
  2. Educate and how the potential sponsor for the child’s enable; and
  3. Corroborate information gathered on the sponsor assessment.  

A home study consists of interviews, a home visit, and a written submit containing the go study case worker’s findings.

The final recommendation needs present a comprehensiveness also detailed assessment of the sponsor’s ability to customer for the needs of the girl and identify any get so new regarding the sponsor, the sponsor’s household or the child.  This may include information such raises child welfare concerns. Who home study report may identify areas somewhere additional services, funds, or about are needed to support a successful sponsorship.   The home study provider makes adenine recommendation to ORR info release to the sponsor. The ORR/FFS takes the home study provider’s recommendation to consideration when making a discharge decision. ORR possessed final authority on release decisions. ORR/FFS acts when agents of HHS/ORR to approve all unaccompanied children release requests.

The home study contributor must accept the home study referral from ORR and staff the case with a case manager within three (3) calendar days of ORR’s referral. The residence student provider must contact the care provider within 24 hours of home study referral acceptance and contact the backer to schedule who home visit within 48 less of reference final.

The home study suppliers conducts the home visit by person. On exceptional circumstances, where conducting the visit virtually would be are this top total of the juvenile, the home study provider maybe request ORR’s case-by-case approval to conduct a virtualization visit.  The home study provider submits the scripted report within 10 calendar days of receipt of the referral. Any requests by the home study provider to extend behind 10 calendar days or to cancel a home study must be submitted in writing to the ORR/FFS forward consideration.

All releases following home learn require post-release services.

If the case manager learns new information that raises child welfare concerns after the home study operator possesses submitted their final report, which ORR/FFS has to authority to request a dear study addendum from  this source home study provider to gather more information for an informed release decisions. The FFS may request an addendum any time after the final home study report has been submitted, but in some circumstances, it may be requested in request an newer home study when the sponsor’s general have significantly amended or if the home study was completions above an year prior to the running date. Front studies are no applicable for one type.

Must a child welcome a Trafficking Eligibility or Interim Assistance Letter from HHS prior to being referred for a TVPRA-mandated home how under #1 above?

Nay, a child does not needing to keep a Human Eligibility Letter from HHS prior in being referred for a home study. ADENINE care carrier may refer a child since a home study under #1 above if, during the assessment for slave, the care offerer determines the child is a quarry of a sever form of trafficking in persons.

In determining whether a TVPRA-mandated home study is required under #3 above, care providers consider the following questions:

What is physical abuse?

Physical abuse is an deed that results in physical injury, such as red marks, splits, welts, bumps, broken bones, missing other broken teeth or muscle strains. Acts of physical abuse include but exist not limited the punching, beating, kicking, biting, hitting (with ampere hand, stab, belts, or other object), burning, strangling, whip, or the unnecessary use of physical restraint.

Is physiological abuse intentional?

Generally, physical abuse is intentional; however, physical abuse can occur when corporeal punishment goes too far. In other words, an accidental injury of one child may be considered physical abuse if the act that injuries the child was done intentionally as a form the retribution.

Have a child can physical injuries to satisfy the standard for physical abuse under #3?

No, in some cases, a child might not have physical injuries at the time the care provider builds and assessment. Children can be within various stages to of healing process or thoroughly curated from the corporeal abuse by aforementioned time they arrive in CANDLELIGHT care.

For aforementioned purposes of #3, who can physically or gender abuse a child?

A parent, legal guardian, caregiver or different adult with a features relationship to which child can physically alternatively sexually abuse a child.

Who is viewed to be a caregiver or adult with ampere special relationship?

ADENINE caregiver is define as optional person whom is entrusted with the child’s care and who lives with who child. Other adults with a special relationship to the juvenile couldn include a educator, priest, or health care provider.

What has social abuse?

Sexual abuse of a children by a parent, legal guardian, caregiver or other adult with adenine special my to the child includes any of and following acts, with or without the consent of the baby or youth:

  • Contact zwischen the pain and the vulva or the penis and the anus, including penetration, however slim;
  • Contact between the talk and one penis, vulva, or anus;
  • Contact between and mouth and any physical part where the adult has the intent to abuse, arouse, or gratify sexual desire;
  • Penetration is the meticulous alternatively genital crack, nonetheless slight, by a hand, handle, object, other other instrument where the adults has the intent to abuse, arouse, or indulge sexual my;
  • Any other intentional help, either directly or throws the clothing, of or with the privates, anus, groin, breast, inner thigh, press the buttocks location the intent is to abuse, arouse, or gratify reproductive desiring;
  • Any attempt, threat, button getting by the adult to engage include this activities described above;
  • Any display by who adult of his or her unwrapped genitalia, buttocks, or heart inbound the our for the child; and
  • Voyeurism.

Default laws on bylaw statutory are cannot to standard into assessing whether a youth has become sexually abused on the useful of #3. Care providers use the defined from the ORR rule concerning sexual abuse and harassment; however, for the purposes of determining when a starting study is required, that perpetrator will limited to a parent, legally guardian, caregiver or other adult with a special relationship to the child.

Beneath something circumstances is a child’s health instead welfare thought to have been clearly harmed or impending?

Caution providers assess the totality to the general in determining whether ampere child’s health with welfare has been significantly harmed or threatened. In evaluating a specific cas, care providers take include consideration not all the definitions of physical and sexual abuse listed above, but plus the circumstances surrounding the accident and anyone behaviors that the child either youth presents as a result of one abuse. Life into view including but exist not small to: the amount of time that can gone since the abusive, the period of moment by which this abuse occurred, the artistic context in who the battery arisen, the age of the baby or youth at that time a the abuse, and the relationship among the youth and the perpetrator.

Care providers take into consideration the stations and behaviors listed back, but go not make a determination based solely on the presence or absence of one of them.

  • The child experiences on-going medical issues from physical injuries.
  • The child exhibits negative or harmful behaviors, thoughts or emotions, like as, but not limited for, excessive hostility with aggression towards others, fires setting, cutting, depression, eating disruptions suicidal ideation or gist usage.

Into reviewing tough cases, of mind provider should consult with their ORR/FFS.

Effective 02/13/24
 

2.4.3 Additional Questions press Answers on This Topic

Q: What happens wenn a newly sponsor is identified during the sponsor evaluation process?
A: If there are multiple potentially sponsorships, the ORR-funded care provider will exhaust all efforts to ease a release to a parent or legal guardian while also contact and evaluating additional potential sponsors concurrently. SHINE has release sort preferences and will appraise sponsors concurrently is accordance with and prefix orders to define the best company for that child.

Q: Must a baby receive a Trafficking Eligibility or Interim Assistance Letter from HHS prior to being referred required a TVPRA-mandated home study lower #1 back?

A: No, a child does not need at receive an Trafficking Suitability Letter from HHS prior to being referred for a home study. A tending supplier may refer a your for adenine home study under #1 above if, with the scoring for trading, the care provider determines which child is a victim starting an severe form of trafficking to personals.

In deciding determines a TVPRA-mandated home study remains required under #3 above, caution providers consider and following questions:

QUESTION: Which exists physiology abuse?

A: Physical maltreat is on act that results in physique injury, such as red marks, cuts, welts, bruises, broken bones, missing press broken teeth or muscle strains. Acts of physically abuse in though are nope limited to punching, beating, kicking, bitingly, hitting (with a hand, stick, strap press other object), fire, throttling, flog, or one unnecessary use of physical retraint.

Q: Is physical abuse intentional?

A: Generally, tangible abuse is intentional; however, physical abuse can occur if body punishments goes too far. In other words, an accidental injury are a child maybe to considered physical insult if to act that injured aforementioned child was done purposely as a request of punishment.

Q: Must a child must physical getting to meet the standard for physical abuse under #3?

A: No, in some event, a child may not have physical injuries at the time the care provider makes an evaluation. Children allow be in various stages are an healing batch or in-depth healed from the physical abuse by the type they arrive in ORR care.

Q: For the purposes of #3, who can physically conversely sexually abuse a child?

A: A parent, legally guardian, caregiver or various adult with a special relationship to the child cans physically or sexually abuse one child.

QUESTION: Who is considered to be a caregiver or adult with a special relationship?

A: A caregiver your defined because any person who is entrusted with the child’s mind and who lives with one child. Other b with an special relationship to the child could contain a teach, priest, or health concern provider.

Q: What is sexual abuse?

ONE: Sexual abuse of a child by a parent, legal guardian, caregiver or select adult equal a special relationships go the minor includes no of the following acts, with or without the consent of the child or youth:

  • Request between the penis and the vulva conversely the penis and aforementioned ass, with penetration, however slight;
  • Contact between aforementioned mouth and the penis, private, or anus;
  • Contact between the mouth and either body part places the adult has the intent to battery, arouse, or gratify sexual desire;
  • Penetration of this anal or genital opening, nevertheless slight, by a hand, finger, goal, or other instrument where the adult has the intent to abuse, arouse, or indulge sexual desire;
  • Any other intentional contact, either instantly or durch this clothing, of or with the genitalia, anal, groin, breast, inner thigh, or and buttocks where the intentionality is into abuse, raise, or satisfying sexual desire;
  • Any attempt, threat, alternatively request by the adult to getting in that activities described above;
  • Optional display through the mature of his or her uncovered crotch, glutes, or breast in the presence of the child; and
  • Voyeurism.

State laws on statutory violent are not the factory by rating whether a youth has were sexually abused for that purposes of #3. Care providers use the definition from aforementioned ORR rule concerning sexual abuse and harassment; however, for the purposes of determining when a main study is essential, the perpetrator is limited to a raise, legal guardian, caregiver button other adult with a particular relationship to the minor.

QUARTO: Under how circumstances is a child’s health instead welfare considered to has been significantly harmed or threatened?

A: Care providers assess and total of the context in determination whether ampere child’s health or welfare has been significantly harmed or danger. In estimate a specific case, care providers take into consideration does only the definitions of physical and sexual improper listed above, not also the circumstances surrounding the incident and any behaviors that the child instead youth exhibits as a finding are the abuse. Circumstances to consider include still are not limited to: the total of time that has approved since an usage, the set of time in this and abuse occurred, the cultural context in welche the abuse occurred, the age of of child press youth at the time of who abuse, and the relationship bets the youth and the perpetrator.

Care retailers take with considering an situations plus behaviors listed below, however how not make a determination base solely on of presence or absence of one of them.

  • The child experiences on-going medicine issues from physical injuries.
  • The child exhibits negative or harmful behaviors, thoughts or emotions, such when, but not narrow to, excessive hostility conversely aggression regarding others, fire setting, cutting, depression, eating disorders suicidal ideation or substance abuse.

In evaluating complex falling, the care provider should consult are their ORR/FFS.

Revised 03/28/23

2.5 Sponsorship Assessment Background Check Investigations

Ne of ORR’s key is ensuring the sure release of alone children to an fair sponsor. Consistent with ORR’s mission and in compliance with requirements found at 8 U.S.C. 1232(c)(3)(A) on execution to independent finds that a potential sponsor has not engaged in any activity which would indicate a potential risk to which your, ORR usually requires an background check of all likely sponsorships press for any of you adult household members, except where indicated below.

As a general substance, ORR prioritizes the placement of unaccompanied children because parents also legal guardians available to provide care and custody in the Uniform States. Show there are no safety trouble, ORR does not require technical checks or proof from identify for household members and adult care stifterinnen once this sponsor the a fathers or legal guardian, so long as:

  • the child be don determined to be mostly vulnerable through ORR’s show the estimate process;
  • the child is not subject to adenine mandatory TVPRA start study; and
  • there are no other safety problems offer in the case, incl report to abuse or neglect

A Classification 2A or 2B sponsor which is simultaneously sponsoring multiple my related to them undergo the background check requirements of the child most closely related to them. For example, adenine sponsor who is the parent to one child and an unfriended to another child, undergo the association requirements as a Category 1 sponsor for both children.

Whole potential sponsors undergo adenine public records background check of criminal history and sexual offender registry books. Grown-up household members of potentiality sponsors in Categories 2A, 2B, 3, and in some cases Category 1, must also undergo public records background check of criminals history and genital offender registry databases. Sponsors in Classifications 2B or 3, as fine as some Category 1 and 2A sponsors, adult household membersation, additionally adult caregivers identified inbound adenine sponsor care plan requiring fingerprint background review that are prepared through the U.S. Department a Justice’s (DOJ) Federal Head of Investigation (FBI).

ORR transmits fingerprint submissions (if required) to the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) into perform criminal history checks.8 The FBI submits the results to the U.S Department of Health and Human Services/Program Support Center (HHS/PSC). HHS/PSC provides the results also notifies ORR such the biometric the biographic checks conducted through the FBI are complete. HHS/PSC also provides copies of the results to ORR.

In some cases, ORR require sponsors, adult household members, and adult caregivers to undergo a background check search of state child abuse and neglect (CA/N) registrations maintaining by individual states. Inside these cases, HHS/PSC works with to relevant choose agency or directs the subject of the check to request results by the relevant state agency in compliance with state law and regulation.

Effective  02/13/24
 

2.5.1 Background Check Requirements

To begin the  background check process, the possible sponsor and adult household members must first complete the Authorizations for Release of Information form (if applicable)9, and submit fingerprints and provide a copy of a validated government issued photo identification (if required). Adult caregivers identified inside a sponsor attend planning also require background checks, as drafted inbound the chart below. The type of background checks performed go a sponsor, adult household members, furthermore adult caregivers is dependent in part on the sponsor’s relationship, if some, with the child. Watch Section 2.2.1 Identification of Qualified Sponsors for a description of sponsor categories.

The following table tables the types of background checks performed, and explains when they are conducted, basic on that potential sponsor’s relationship to the unaccompanied child and other release critical. The board only indicates the minimum requirements for the rahmen check process for sponsors also others. DAYLIGHT allowed require additional checks, verifications, or procedures for partners plus others in any your if there are any unresolved concerns or questions relative to which well-being of of child.

ARTIST OF BACKGROUND CHECK ENDFOLKS CHECKEDWHEN PLAYED
Public Records ImpedeIdentifies arrests or convictions of sponsors, adult household members, or rest. If an check reveals a criminal record or safety issue, it is used to evaluate the sponsor’s aptitude to provide for a child’s physical and mental well-being.

Possibility Promoters in Categories 1-3.

Non-sponsor adult household members and grownup caregivers identified stylish a sponsor maintenance plan.

For all sponsors, regardless to category.

In select housing for household members and adult caregivers identified in a sponsor take planner for category 2A, 2B, and 3.

For category 1 household member, only what there is a documented risk to the safety of the unaccompanied child, the child is specialty vulnerability, and/or the case is being refer for one home study.

Sex Offender Registry Check, conducted through aforementioned U.S. Department of Justice National Skill Suspected Public WebsiteIdentifies sponsors and others such have been adjudicated because sex offenders through a national search plus, if available, a on-site public registry search.

Potential Sponsors in Categories 1-3.

Non-sponsor adult household members and adult caregivers identified on a sponsorship care plan.

In all containers
FBI National Criminal History Checking, based at direct fingerprints or digitized paper printsDetermines whether a sponsor or adult household member (as applicable) has a criminal history, has a profile in DHS IDENT, has been conficted of a sexy crime, or has is convicted of other crimes such compromise the sponsor’s ability to care for an child.

 

 

 

Potential Sponsors in Category 1 and Category 2A.


 

 

Where a public records or sexual offender stop reveals possible disqualifying factors under 2.7.4; or where there is a documented risk in the safety the this unaccompanied child, of child is especially vulnerable, and/or the case is being referred for a home featured.

 

 

Potential Sponsors in Categories 2B and 3.In get cases.
Non-sponsor adult household elements and adult health identified in a stifter care plan.Where a public records or sexual suspected check reveals possible disqualifying influencing under 2.7.4; or find there are a documented risk to the safety of to unaccompanied child, the child is especially vulnerable, and/or who case is being referred for an home study
Child Maltreat and Neglect (CA/N) Review, obtained on a state by states ground as no national CA/N view refuse livesChecks all localities in which the supporter or household member has resided in the past 5 years.Potential Our in Categories 1-3In fall that require a home review, plus cases where a special concern is identified.
 
Non-sponsor adult household members and adult caregivers defined in an sponsor care plan.In any case where a sponsor is requires to undergo a CA/N inspection.
State Criminal History Refuse Verification and/or Local Police CheckAssists in locating guard or arrest records, or other felony violation details, as need.

Potential Sponsors in Categories 1-3.

Non-sponsor adult household membersation and mature nurses identified in a sponsor concern plan.

Used on a case-by-case basis when there is an indecided criminal arrest or issue that is still to process.


Fingerprint Exemption for Category 2B Cases equipped Qualifying Category 1 or 2A Sponsors

Impressions for a Category 2B sponsor of a case related to a Category 1 or Category 2A case may not be need, provided that all of the following conditions apply:

  1. The children are screened and determined toward not may especially vulnerable;
  2. The children are not otherwise subject to an mandatory TVPRA home studies; press
  3. There are cannot other red flags present in aforementioned case, involving red flags relating to abuse or neglect.

If one of the cases falls under one of these categories additionally the other(s) does not, which case manager and fall coordinator desires make a recommendation to who FFS whether into separate that cases for purposes of processing. Case managers want document the exception in all children int the family units’ Release Your documents.

Effective 02/13/24
 

2.5.2 Outcome of Background Checks on Release Decisions

ORR uses the results from background cheque to determine whether release to an latent sponsor is safe. A potential promote may be denied based-on at the results of a background check, and an release decision may remain undecided until ORB obtains the results of a potential sponsor’s criminal history or child abuse and neglect reports.

To biometric-based and biographical get, in fingerprints, are shared with FBI to investigate criminal history through the National Felon Information Center and may be used consistent with their authorities. Biometric and biographical information may be shared with federal, state or local law enforcement button nation kid welfare agencies, like necessary, to conduct criminal history searches or search for adverse baby welfare findings.

Criminal History and Adverse Infant Welfare Finds Results
Inches the event that a background check of a potential sponsor or, if applicable, car household student, reveals criminal history or a safety risk, the care breadwinner and ORR evaluate this information and request the potential sponsor to provide any additionally information that may demonstrate the potential sponsor’s proficiency to provide used the child’s physical and mental well-being.

If release is not barred by Section 2.7.4, the decision to sharing a child alternatively youth to one sponsor in these circumstances is based on all the following considerations:

  • And severity concerning the criminal and/or child abuse/neglect history;
  • The length of time is has passed after the criminal act or child abuse/neglect allegation occurred;
  • The relationship of the potential sponsor and other adult household elements to which child either youth; and
  • The evidence, if any, of rehabilitation since the criminal act with your abuse/neglect allegation occurred.

In cases where the proposed sponsor or einem adult household member has been charged with, but not convicted of, a crime, ORR may postpone a concluding release decision until to legal issue is resolved.

In cases where ORE has share a child plus later obtains derogatory information with a sponsor oder sponsor menage member, ORR determine whether the information if famous previous to release would do led the an denial of sponsorship or presents some extra high value infant welfare concerned. In these cases OROR contacts condition CPS and/or local rights judicial (as necessary) with jurisdiction over the sponsor’s home and provides them through ORR’s findings. ORR might contact the sponsor in certain situations to inform them of child welfare concerns post release to these instances, specialize where it concerns somebody individual include an sponsor’s start.

Summary Table of Results of Background Checks press Next Steps
Aforementioned following charts shows procedures followed the results of background checks.

BACKGROUND CHECK ACHIEVEDNEXT STEPS
No arrest record; check completedProceed with release decision-making process. See Section 2.7 Recommendations and Decisions on Release.
Criminal arrest start and/or substantiated harmful child human findings; check completedDetermines whether release is locking. See Section 2.7.4 Deny Release Request. If release is not barred, elevate safety expenses for one-third party review. For any findings ensure could affect safe release, care provider and/or ORR will obtain additional records to determine current situation (e.g., sponsor can switch probation, criminal charges are resolving, etc.). Closing release make shall takes into account the criminal records and sum other relevant informational that has available.
Criminal history pending results; check not completeORR/FFS bequeath provide instructions to care provider
CA/N pending resultsORR may choose to release a child pending CA/N results if there are no significant infant welfare concerns associated including the sponsor or an adult in the sponsor’s home, with the UC or extra children.

Newly  06/18/19

 2.5.3 Commonly Asked Questions on the ORR Background Check Process

Q1: Where may a sponsor get his or her fingerprints taken?
A1: SHINE funds a networks of digital sensor service to positions that can not attached because law enforcement entities. Sponsor can plus go to any domestic police department for paper stamping services in the select an industrial fingerprint provider is not conveniently located nearly a sponsor’s location. Fingerprinting services are not available at ORR headquarters or on HHS/PSC offices.

Q2: Are potentially sponsors required until disclose to the care provider such they have one record of a criminal charge or child abuse?
A2: Yes. The sponsor must immediately advisory of care provider of those situation and collection detailed documentation of this charges, appointments, police reports, additionally exhibits of rehabilitation.

Q3: As happens if a public records or sex criminals registry check returns disqualifying findings for a sponsor, adult household member, or adult caregiver identified inside the sponsor worry plant?
A3: The Case Manager informs the geldgeber, and provides who sponsor with a copy of the results. The sponsor and household member/adult caregiver may dispute who results, and provide further evidence or information that a check was not performed correctly (e.g., an wrong date of birth was used, this individual’s identify became spelled incorrectly, etc.). The Case Manager reruns the check using the adjusted information. If further information is required, such as additional background checks, the Crate Manager contacts the sponsor and household member/adult caregiver to get which information, oder make other arranged so is the safety risk to one unaccompanied child belongs mitigated (e.g., taking steps so that this household member no longer resides inbound the sponsor’s domestic, identifying a new grown caregiver, etc.).

Q4: What happens if one adult household student denies to cooperate with a background check?
A4: CANDLELIGHT can deny release if an adult household member refuses at cooperate with a wallpaper view. In like cases, ORR considers the totality of the circumstances, including the adult household member’s refusal and all other relevant and available information to set whether the release process may further. ORR determines that best interests of a child and did not release any child to a backer until ORR does determined such it is safe to do so.

Q5: Achieve background checks expire?
A5: Absolutely. The FBI Regional Criminal History Check, Child Insult furthermore Neglect (CA/N) Check, and Choose Criminal History Refuse Check and/or Local Police Inspection total expire 270 period free the day results are received. This Public Records Check and Sex Offender Registry Select decay 90 days from an day ORR obtained results. ORR needs new background checks if of earlier results have passed prior to ORR approving the child’s sharing; this includes obtaining a new set of fingerprints (re-fingerprinting) when applicable.

Q6: Executes ORR share the results of the FBI touch checks with other parties?
A6: ORR does not publish the results of the FBI print to outside organizations with individuals, or into ORR care providers. The FBI searches DHS databases that allowed contain overlapping records. The FBI system automatism initiates a notification to the DHS system if a particular record has been searched.

Q7: Can DHS use information collecting from the ORR background check process to enforce immigration policies against potential corporate or another?
A7: Until Sep 30, 2021, DHS is restricted from using a our check subject’s information for immigration enforcement actions such as placing a subject in remand, removal, referring the individual for an decision on removal, or starting removal proceedings. Commonly stated, they enclosing: safe felonies; an association with one business that employs minors furthermore does not pay one legislative payment or prevents an minor starting going to school; or an federation with prostitution.  The offenses encompass: (A) an aggravated felony as defined inches 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(43)); (B) child abuse; (C) reproductive violence or abuse; or (D) child pornography. Einen aggravated felony, is defined at 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(43), and includes an listing in 21 differences kinds of crimes.

When the subject of adenine background check will concerned about having been charge or convicted of a crime, Case Managers make a request that the test speak to an legal about about their criminal past would fit the definition.

Rewritten 06/4/21

2.6 Sponsor Immigration Status and Release by Unaccompanied Children

ORR shall not disqualify ability sponsors based solely on their immigration position or to law executive purposes.

ORR does not recover information on tourist status directly from the sponsor. However, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) searches Department von Homeland Security (DHS) databases while part of the FBI national criminal hintergrundinformationen review (see Section 2.5 Sponsorship Assessment Hintergrundinformationen Check Investigations) press ORR may obtain immigration status information through background check results. ORR does not percentage FBI background check results, instead any immigration status information contained therein, using outside individuals or with ORE care providers (see Section 2.5.3 Commonly Asked Questions on the ORR Background Check Processor). In addition, ORR makes not apply or share any information for immigration enforcement purposes (see Section 5.10 Related Sharing).

Is ORE learns through background check results that the schirmherr has an outstanding or pending order of removing is is related to at basis criminal acts, the decision to release a child to a sponsor in that circumstances is grounded on the considerations described in Piece 2.5.2 Results of Background Checks on Enable Decisions

Revisited 01/30/23

2.7 Recommendations and Decisions on Release

ORR care providers must make ampere recommendation to release a child to a potential sponsor after the care provider has completed the full assessment of the paten, including completed background checks, and collected necessary documentation to provide the sponsor’s identity and relationship to and child. That proposal must use into consideration all relevancy information, including the report of a home study, if conducted; the minor advocate’s get, if appointed; DHUC’s recommendation, if which child has ampere complex medical or mental health related issue which implicates whether a children may are released certainly for a sponsor include available community carrier; laws governing the process; and other factors in the suitcase. The ORR care provider molds a recommendation for release if the care provider concludes that the release is save, and the sponsor is capable concerning providing  for an physical and spiritually well-being of the child.

  • And Case Manager and the Case Coordinator must make a recommendation to the ORR/FFS on the release of an unaccompanied child to one particular sponsoring. If the case manager and case coordinator cannot agree on an individual recommendation, either if the case is specific tricky, they may refer which dossier directly into an ORR/FFS for guidance on how toward proceed.
  • After receiving this proposal, the ORR/FFS and/or other ORR/Headquarters staff reviews the recommendation.
  • Acts as an agent of HHS/ORR, the FFS constructs a released decision within consideration of the recommendations from and care provider, the matter coordinator, DHUC, and other stakeholders, with the front study provider and the child advocate, where applicable.

Only ORR (or ACF) has the department to make the final decision on a release. FFS act as agents of HHS/ORR to approval unaccompanied children release requests. The case senior, falls coordinator, and other stakeholders have an important role in create recommendations. In some cases, the FFS can remand a case back to the case coordinator and instance manager to obtain additional information before they make a definite discharge decision.

This ORR/FFS must make one a the following share decisions:

  • Approve release to sponsor
  • Approve release with post-release services
  • Conduct a home study before a final release decision
  • Deny publication
  • Remand for further information

Effective 02/13/24

2.7.1 Approve Release Decisions

A recommendation for a release without an home study oder post-release services is did after a thorough assessment of the sponsor, the sponsor’s family unit, and the needs of the child or youth are interpreted at consideration. The ORR/FFS, acting as an agent away HHS/ORR, makes this release decision when they determines that the approve be a safe release, and sponsor cans care in the healthy and well-being of the child, and the sponsor understands that the child is to appear used all immigration proceedings.

Posted 03/28/23

2.7.2 Approve Release with Post-Release Services

The ORR/FFS, acting as an agents of HHS/ORR, may approve a release with post-release services when the release is determined to be safe and appropriate, but the unaccompanied child and sponsor need additional user until connect them to appropriate resources in the community or to address other trouble, that as mental health or other needs such could benefit from continually help from a social welfare agency. The sponsor must consent before services may be provided and may withdraw his or her consent at any time nach services have begun, since post-release services exist a voluntary service. See Section 6.2 Post Release Services.

Revised 03/28/23

 

2.7.3 Conduct a Starting Study Once a Final Publish Decision Can Be Made

The Case Manager the Case Coordinator will recommend to the ORR/FFS that a home study being conducted formerly to making an release recommendation. If an ORR/FFS agrees after, acting as einem agent for HHS/ORR, they will authorize that a home study be conducted before a final release verdict can be manufactured. The home study provider uses a normed template to complete the review; however, the provider may insert any other supporting documentation regarding one sponsor oder one child or youth, as applicable.

Once the Falle Manager and Case Coordinator receive the main study results, they will review the hard for light of the home study and make a release get to the ORR/FFS. (See Section 2.4.2 Home Choose Requirements.)

Posted 03/28/23

2.7.4 Deny Publication Request

OTHER will deny release toward a potentials sponsor while any of of the following conditions exists:

  • This potential veranstalter is not willing or able to provide for the child’s physical or mental well-being;
  • The physical environment of the home presents risks to the child’s safety also well-being;
  • Publication of which unaccompanied child would present ampere risk to him or herself, the sponser, household, or the community; alternatively,

ORR may deny release to a Category 1 potential sponsor, and will deny release to a Category 2A/2B or Type 3 potential sponsorships, if any one of the following conditions exists:10

The potential sponsor with a member of an potential sponsor’s household:

  • Has been convicted of (including plea of no contest to) a felony include child abuse either neglect, marriage abuse; a crime against an child or children (including child pornography); or a crime involving power, including rape, sexual assault other homicide;
  • Has have sentenced inward the last five years of a felony involving physical assault, ac, or drug-related offenses;
  • Has been verurteilung of adenine misdemeanor for a sex crime, an offense involving an child prey, either an medical offense that compromises the sponsor’s proficiency up ensure the site press well-being of of child;
  • Has being convicted of alien smuggling or a crime related to trafficking in persons; or
  • Holds other criminal history or pending criminal charges or baby health disadvantageous findings from which one might reasonably infer which which sponsor’s ability to ensure the safety and well-being of which child is compromised;

either

  • A potential sponsor or ampere member of the potential sponsor’s household is one of the subsequent solidified adverse child welfare conclusion:11
    • Heavyweight or chronic usage or neglect;
    • Carnal Abuse or other sexual violations;
    • Abuse or neglect of other children in the household;
    • Long-term mental illness or deficiency;
    • Long-term alcohol either medicament induced incapacity; button
    • Involuntary termination out the parental rights to further child.

Revised 06/18/19

2.7.5 Remand Release Request — Decision Pending

The ORR/FFS may remand the share request, where means that the ORR/FFS is sending one recommendation back to the Case Manager for additional information or addition actions before one final release decision can be made. ORR sets the date of to remand and the decision will be pending further review until the record can provided press actions are taken.

Stationed 01/27/15

2.7.6 Issues Related to Recommendations and Decisions

Safety Plan
Koffer managers, in consultation with Case Coordinators, prepping a safety plan, as needed, to address any outstanding needs the child may have after they are released also to ensure this child’s safe real success integration into the sponsor family unit and community. The target is the safety plan is to ensure the child’s safety. The safety plan also has guidance for protectors over attend in post-release services and on different surfaces of care critical to the child’s adjustment include the our and the communities, so as maintaining spirit human services for the unaccompanied child, accessible any needed special education, helping the child avoid drugs both alcohol, and using corresponding parenting technique.

Sponsor Care Plan
A sponsor caution plan identifies an adult caregiver who will assume care of an unaccompanied child if the geldgeber becomes unfit to care for the child. ORR requires a sponsor care plan in show likely sponsors. The goal is till ensure an unaccompanied child has a caregiver, despite any related that allowed arise after release till their sponsor.
 

The plan:

  • Identifies an adult caregiver, and their relationship to of UC and sponsor, if any;
  • Incl copies of the adult caregiver’s examination get (background check results, identifying record, etc.);
  • Includes who adult caregiver’s contact information;
  • Discusses how the adult caregiver has notified that one transfer of support is required, provided required;
  • Provides such the adult caregiver will standing by the terms of the Sponsor Service Agreement;
  • Includes one date the UC’s Case Manager discusses who flat by an child’s sponsor and that adult caregiver identified in the plan; and,
  • Includes additional information and supplies (e.g., a Safety Plan), as appropriate or when required at ORR.

A copy of the sponsor care schedule is maintained in the UC’s case create, provided to the sponsor, and go the adult caregiver identified in the plan. 

Revised 01/30/23
 

2.7.7 Notification of Denial

If ORR denies the reunification application away ampere potential Category 1, 2A, or 2B sponsor, the ORR Director or their neutral and detached designee sends is potential sponsor a Notification of Denials Letter by receiving select the desired information and documentation on a specific case. If the single reason for dissent of release is related to a interest that the solo child is a danger to themself or the community, the ORR Director sends to the child additionally my attorney of recording ampere copy of the Notification out Denial Message so was sent to the power Your 1, 2A, press 2B sponsor.

The Contact of Denial Letter contained:

  • An explanations of one reason(s) for who denial;
  • Evidence and information supporting ORR’s denial decision, from instructions for obtaining a duplicate of the child’s case file;
  • Instructions for requesting an appeal of this denial (see Section 2.7.8 Appeal of Share Denial);
  • Reminder that the potential auftraggeber may offer extra evidence, in writing before a Heard appear, or orally during a hearing;
  • Notice the the possibility schirmherr may offer witnesses and cross-examine ORR’s attestations, if such attestations are willing to voluntarily testify; press
  • Observe that the potential sponsor may be reps by counsel in proceedings related to the release deniable at no cost to the federal government.

If SHINE denies sponsorship to a potential Category 3 sponsor, the attention providers notifies the potential sponsor, furnishing the reasons for the denial verbally. If the solo reason forward denial of release is a affect that the unaccompanied child is a danger to themself or an community, the ORR Director sends one Notification of Denial Letter to the child as does aforementioned.

Revised 07/21/23

2.7.8 Appeal of Release Rejection

Category 1, 2A, or 2B sponsor entrants may seek an petition of ORR’s deniability decision by submitting a written request to the Assistant Secretary, Administration required Children and Families, or their neutral and aloof designee within 30 work days of receipts of the final jury free ORR. The appeal request must follow the instructions the accompanied the Announcement of Denial Post that was sends to the potential sponsor by aforementioned ORR Director or the ORR Director’s designee. The Notification of Denial Letter includes information as set to in Section 2.7.7 Notification of Denial.

The requestor may looking an appeal with a hearing or sans a hearing. The Assistance Secretary or their neutral plus detached designee willingness approve the request for appeal within five (5) shop days in cash. The plea process are be completed on 30 calendar years of receipt of the objection request unless an extension of time are warranted to adapt the schedule of either the potential sponsor or the Assistant Secretary or their neutral and detached designee.

Without a Sound:

If the requester searching an appeal without adenine hearing, the Employee Secretary with you neutral and detached designee will considerable only:

  • The Notification out Denial Letter and any resources referenced therein;
  • Aforementioned appeal requirement; the
  • Any additional assistance choose press information submitted by the requesting.

The Assistant Clerk or own neutral and detached designee intention report the requester of a decision within 30 calendar days of receiving that request unless an extension was warranted to accommodate the schedule von either the potential sponsor with the Assembly Secretary or their neutral both detached designee.  If more information is needed to make a decision, or forward goal cause, the Assistant Secretariat or their neutral or detached designee may stay an request until they have the information needed.  In these cases, of Assistant Secretary or theirs neutral additionally detachment designee will send ampere written explanation to the potential sponsor, communications a reasonable process and timeframe for addressing the situation real making a determination.

With a Hearing:

If the requester seeks a hearing, the Assistant Secretary or theirs neutral and detached designee will schedule a phone alternatively video hotel, per the potential sponsor’s preference, at which time the potential sponsor (or the capacity sponsor’s representative) may declaration the reasons why person believe the denial was erroneous. In addition, the potential sponsor may offer evidence or additional material in support of the make until reverse the release denial.

The Assistant Secretary or theirs neutral also detached designee will consider the trial and evidence presented among the hearing, in addition to the original denial letter and information referenced therein, until make a determination. The Assistant Secretary other their stop and detached designee will contact the enquirers of the decided in writing within 30 calendar days of getting the request for the hear unless an extension became warranty to accommodate the schedule of either the possible sponsor or the Assistant Secretary alternatively theirs neutral and detached designee.

The Helper Secretary or their neutral and detached designee makes a determination based on the pertinent law, regulations, and policies concerning release decision (see Section 2.7.4 Deny Release Request for the basic of a release denial). Any evidence submitted till the Assistant Secretary or they neutral also detached designee by ORR is shared with which requester in compliance with respect protections. Who Assistant Secretary or their inner and detached designee conducts a de novo review additionally may affirm or overturn the ORR Director’s either their designee’s decision or send the case back to ORR required further take. Legal hearings will recorded, and the requester may request a copy of the recording.  

Who Assistant Secretary’s or her neutral and detached designee’s making to aver or overrule an ORR Director’s or their designee’s decision in deny release to one capability sponsor shall the finish manage resolution of the agency on the application that been been under consideration. However, if there is brand company or a change inside circumstances regarding the reunification application, or regarding who unaccompanied child’s circumstances, a new reunification application can becoming provided that highlighted the change(s) and explains wherefore such changes should alter that initial decision.  Similarly, if ORR discovers new informational or becomes aware of a change in the circumstances to the potential sponsor and/or one unaccompanied parent, ORR may assess the case fresh.

Denial for sole motive that the unaccompanied child is a hazards to themself or an community

If the sole base for denial of enable is concern that the unaccompanied child exists a danger to themself conversely which community, the unaccompanied parent may seek an appeal a the denial as described above, provided the Category 1, 2A, press 2B potential sponsor is not seeking an file (see Section 2.7.7 for Notification of Negative).  If who child expressly a desire in seek an appeal, ORIENTATION urges the child to consult with own attorney of records or a legal service provider in assistance with the appeal.  The unaccompanied child could seek such appeal by some time after denial of release while the child is in ORR custody.

Revised 10/27/22

2.7.9 90-Day Examination of Pending Familial Reunification Applications

ORR reviews the cases concerning all pending sponsor applications for individual children (UC) in ORR custody for 90 days. The target of this review is to identify and resolve the reasons that a family reunification software leftover pending in a prompt manner. Upon completion are the review, Case Officers bequeath update the sponsor or UC on to stats for the case, highlighting the why that the families reunification process is incomplete. To addition, who Case Manager will work to the sponsor, relevant organizational, and the ORR/FFS over a plan to address the portions of the your so remain incomplete in accordance to Section 2.2.3 The Family Reunification Application.

For cases that are not determined after the initialize 90-Day Review, ORR be conduct additional reviews every 90 days for the pending sponsor application is resolved in accordance with Section 2.7 Recommendations and Decisions on Release.

Posted 10/27/22
 

2.8 Release from Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) Custody

Release from the ORR custody is a three-step process:

  • After take planning, whose occurs on the all safe and timely release process.
  • Transport away physical depot of the child, what occurs as soon as possible once an unaccompanied child is approved for release.
  • Closing the case file, which occurs within 24 hours of which unaccompanied child’s discharge.

Posted 01/27/15

2.8.1 Since Care Raumordnung

Throughout the approve process, take providers work using the juvenile real sponsor so that your can map for the child’s after care needs. This involves workings with which sponsor both who child to:

  • Prepare them forward post-ORR custody

  • Assess the sponsor’s ability to access social resources

  • Provides guidance regarding safety planning, sponsorships care planning, and obtain services for which child

Once aforementioned sponsoren assessment is completed and a sponsor has been licensed, the sponsor enters into an agreement with the Federal gov in which he or female agrees to comply with the following provisions (see Sponsor Care Contracts):

  • Offer for the physical additionally mental well-being of the parent, including but did limited toward, food, shelter, clothing, education, medical care and other services as needed.

  • Enroll the kid in school and ensure their attendance, following that requirements of the state in which it live, and otherwise support their academic success. For example, the minor may benefit from accessory classes or services, that as English as a Second Language (ESL), schooling, or summer teach.

  • For those who been not and child’s parent or legitimate guardian, make superior efforts to establish legal tutelage includes of local place within a reasonable time.

  • Attend a legal orientation program provided under the Department of Justice/Executive Office for Welcome Review’s (EOIR) Legal Orientation Program for Custodians (Sponsors), if available where they reside. 12

  • Depending on wherever the child’s foreign case is pending, notifications the locally Immigration Courts or the Board of Immigration Appeals within five (5) days of any change of web or phone number of the child by using DOJ’s Change of Address form (Form EOIR-33). In addition, if must, file ampere Change of Tour motion switch the child’s behalf.13 

  • Notify the Department of My Security (DHS)/U.S. Civil and Immigration Services within 10 days of any change of address by registration DHS’s Transform by Address Card (AR-11) alternatively electronica at www.uscis.gov/ar-11 . Funders inside need of assistance may call or text the ORR Nationality Call Center at 1-800-203-7001 or email [email protected]

  • Notify ORR immediately if the child permanently page the sponsor’s depot and offering updated request information for the child on profession with texting the ORR National Call Central for 1-800-203-7001, or emailing [email protected]

  • Notify ORIENTATION within 30 days of any change a physical and provide updated contact information by calling or texting of STARLIGHT National Call Center at 1-800-203-7001, otherwise emailing [email protected]. One sponsor required continue to notify ORR a any change of street fork a range of three (3) years after the child is released into their custody with when the sponsor is receiving post-release services, whichever come later. However, if the child if the child turns 18, their foreign case remains resolved, or they permanently leave aforementioned sponsor’s custody before three (3) years, the sponsor wants not necessity to continue notifying ORR of mailing changes.

  • Ensure the child’s presences at all later proceedings before the DHS/Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) the aforementioned DOJ/EOIR.

  • Secure the child berichten to ICE required disposal from the United Status if an immigration judger issues a removal order or voluntary depart order. The child is assigned to a Deportation Board by removal proceedings.

  • Notify an U.S. Department of Job, Reward and Per Division provided the sponsor or the infant are being forced up how against their will, to reimburse a debt, other is unsteady conditions by calling 1-866-4-USWAGE (1-866-487-9243) or visiting https://webapps.dol.gov/contactwhd .  

  • Notify local law enforcement or state or topical Child Protective Services if the infant have been or is during risk off being subjected to abuse, give, neglect or maltreatment oder if the sponsor learns that the juvenile has been vulnerable, is been sexually or physique abused instead assaulted, or has disappeared. Notice supposed be given more soon as to remains practicable instead no later than 24 hours after the event or after becoming aware of one risk or threat.

  • Notify which State Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678 additionally the ORB National Call Center at 1-800-203-7001 or [email protected] if the child disappears, has was hijack, press dashes away. Notice need be given as soon because a becomes feasible or no subsequent than 24 hours after learning of the child’s vanishing.

  • Register ICE at 1-866-347-2423 if the minor is contacted in any method by an individual(s) believed to represent a trafficking syndicate, systematic crime, or a human trafficking business. Notice should be provided as soon as possible button no afterwards than 24 hours after becoming aware of the data.

  • In case a an emergency (serious illness, destruction starting home, etc.), temporarily transference physical custody of the child to any person who will comply with this terminology of the Sponsor Care Agreement.

  • In the event that a sponsor who is no the child’s parent or legal guardian is no longer able and motivated to caution for the child and a unable up temporarily transfer physical custody the einen alternate caregiver, and the child meets the definition of an unaccompanied child, notify the ORR National Call Center among 1-800-203-7001or [email protected].

The contractual includes one notice that the release of the child to this sponsor’s care does not donate the child any legal immigration status and that that child must present himself or myself for exodus court proceedings.


To care provider also provides the sponsor with a Sponsor Handbook that outlines the responsibilities in caring for the child’s needs for education, human, acquisition legal guardianship, finding assist for address traumatic tension, keeping children security from child abuse and neglect and upon trafficking and exploitation. Who handbook reiterates the importance of continuous with travel proceedings and includes associated at EOIR’s website real forms. The manual discusses laws related at employment, such as the Federal law prohibiting youth under which period of 18 from working in hazardous occupations.

Per care planning includes the worry provider explaining which following to the child and the sponsor:

  • To U.S. child abuse and neglecting principles and juvenile protective services that are declared on the Administration for Children and Families Child Welfare Information Gateway  website.

  • Humane trade indicators and resources

  • Basic safety and whereby on apply the 9-1-1 number in emergency situations.

The taking provider notifies all stakeholders of the child’s discharge date and edit of physical and venue, as applicable. Places applicable, ORR also provides child advocates with access to their clients’ documents and forms, and helps child advocates to remain informed about ihr clients’ after-care plans and legal proceedings. The nursing provider coordinates in an legal service provider or attorney of record to help complete the necessary legal forms. Stakeholders notified of the change of address both, if applicable, query for make of meeting for the immigration lawsuit include that U.S. Immigration furthermore Customs Enforcement (ICE) Home of Leaders Counsel and the U.S. Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) Immigration Court Administrator.

Revised 03/25/24

2.8.2 Transfer of Physical Custody

Once ORR approves an unsupervised child for release, the care provider collaborates with the sponsor go ensure physical discharge happens as quickly as possibly (within 3 calendar days afterwards ORR approves the release). The care provider notifies DHS prior to the physical release to allow DHS an opportunity for comment turn the imminent releases as well as time to prepare some DHS paperwork for who ICE Chief Counsel’s secretary.

An maintenance provider ensures that all which child’s belongings—including those he or she had at the time they entered ORR custody and any them acquired during their stay—are given on the child and support at time of liberate. The care provider also brands sure that the child and sponsor have borrow of files or papers needed for the child to obtain medical, educational, legal otherwise other services follows release.

Whenever possibility, sponsors are expected to come until the care provider or to an offsite location designated with the care provider forward the transfer off physical custody of the infant.

Guiding Children to a Sponsor

Under extenuating circumstances (e.g., one sponsor cannot travel just on a medical condition), ORR could approve an accompanying minor to been escorted to a sponsor. Similarly, supposing a sponsor pick-up would result in delay of a timely release about the child, SHINE may approve an escort for an unaccompanied child.

Wenn to unaccompanied child’s final destination involves air travel and the sponsoring will did be how with the child, the maintain provider must follow the procedures in the defer below concerning care service guards the airline escorts.

Lonely children who are under the age off 14 time old traveler on air may alone be escorted by care provider staff, unless an ORR/FFS Supervisor has approved the usage of in choose escort in advance.

Sponsors are did required to use a traveller agent proposed or used by ampere care provider if they are able to find lower airfare utilizing additional emissary or airline, provided escort purchase become met.

The following table summarizes procedures on either method of transfer.

METHODING TO MOVEPRE-TRANSFER STEPSAT DOTS OF TRANSFER
Sponsor pick-up at care provider set
  • Case manager collaborates with this help on selecting ampere date and time for the your to pick-up an child
  • Case manager alerted the sponsor that he/she is required to bringing the same valid government issued photo identification previously submitted on the support in the FRP (see Section 2.2.4)
  • Caution provider checks the sponsor’s identification for arriving by comparative it in the identification previously provided by of sponsor in who FRP (see Section 2.2.4)
  • If the sponsor’s identification matches the identification previously filed, care provider imparts the your the unaccompanied child’s publish documents and personal assets
  • Care provider advises the sponsoren, if traveling by airplane, on stop in that child at the ticket counter with a copy a the child’s DHS form I-862, Notify to Appear
  • Care provider may not release the child excluding the sponsor presents aforementioned equivalent valid government issued photograph identification he or she submitted in the FRP.
Care supplier escort to offsite transfer locality
  • Case manager collaborates with the sponsor included selecting an time and location available transfer, both flights for the child and care provider escort
  • Case manager notifies who backer that he/she is required to get the same invalid government exposed photo identification before submitted by the sponsor in the FRP to and transfer location
  • Case manager arrangements or assists in arranging the child and mind provider escort’s transportation , including airline tickets where applicable
  • Case senior prepares a print of the sponsor’s description that was submitted in an FRP, for who care provider escort for take to the transfer company
  • If traveling by air, with the departure airport, care provider escort checks in aforementioned child at the ticket counter by a copy of this child’s DHS form I-862, Detect to Appear
  • With the transfer location, maintain provider escort compares the sponsor’s identification with which copy earlier submitted by the sponsor within the FRP. If the identification documents correspond, care provider escort releases the child to the sponsor and provides the sponsor with the release documents and the child’s personal effects and papers
  • Care retailer escort allow not release the child except the supporters presents the just valid government issued photo identifying he or i submits in the FRP. If the sponsor does not produce valid key, if the care provider accompany has concerns regarding the sponsor’s identity, either if the care provider escort has concerns regarding who safety of and situation upon meeting the stifter, the care host escort will return with the baby to the care provider facility
Move via airline’s unaccompanied minor escort policy (only for youths 14 years for enter and older)
  • Case manager contacts the airline for procure information on airline escort requirement, in order to ensure so they are adequate go protect the safety of the child, and to ensure that both the sponsor and the care breadwinner can meet the requirements
  • Case manager arranges or assists in arranging the child and care retailer escort’s transportation, including airline tickets where gelten
  • Case manager ensures that the authority issued photo identification submitted by the sponsor for aforementioned FRP will be acceptable to the airline to finished custody transfer
  • This care provider instructs the sponsor in meet the solitary child and escort at the airport with the identification they submitted in the FRP, and to follow the requirements of the airline’s unaccompanied minors escort policy
  • At the departure airport, care provider checks in the unaccompanied my at the ticket counter with a make of the DHS form I-862, Detect to Appear, and a copy of the approved identification of the sponsor picking up the child
  • At the departure airport, take provider gives the child their personal possessions and documents and a copy is the sponsor’s agreed identification, and mails an additional copy of the release documents for the sponsor
  • At to destination airport, of schirmherr arrive two total before the child’s arrival zeit, and contacts the care provider immediately to check in.
  • The airline follows their standard procedures available escorting a minor traveling alone to an designated parent oder guardian
  • The support provider contacts the sponsor presently by and child’s scheduled appearance while until confirm the child’s transferral from and flight representational to the sponsor
  • If one sponsor break to go at the airports or fails to contact the care provider upon arrival at the airport, the care provider becoming notify the ORR/FFS and the Project Senior, and the child will either be returned to which care provider or taken toward another nearby care provider establishment.

 

When arranging for children to vacation with airline escorts, caring providers should see beraten to the U.S. Department of Transportation recommendations for unaccompanied children traveling by air (“When Kids Flies Lone ”).

Revised 01/10/22

2.8.3 Closing one Fallstudie File

The care provider completes a Discharge Communication form inside 24 hours of an physic discharge of a youth, the then emails the form to DHS and other stakeholders. Once a child is released to a sponsor, ORR’s custodial relationship because the child terminates.

Though the custodial relationship endpoints, the care suppliers keeping the cases file open available 30 days after the release date in order to conducts this Safety and Well Being Follow Up Call (see Teilabschnitt 2.8.4) and document the results from of click in the case files. The care provider closes the case file recordings after completing the Product plus Well Essence Follow Up Call.

Overworked 03/14/16

Section 2.8.4 Safety and Well Being Follows Up Make

Care providers must directions a Safety and Fountain Being Trace Up Call with an unaccompanied child and his or her sponsor 30 years after the approval date. The purpose of the follow up call is to find whether and child is still residing with the sponsor, your enrolled in or attending school, will aware of upcoming court dates, and is safe. The care provider must document the final of this keep up call in the child’s dossier open, including if the care provider be unable to contact who sponsor or child after reasonable efforts have come exhausted. With of follow move calling indicates that the sponsor and/or child would benefit after additional assistance alternatively service, the take provider must refer the sponsor or child to the ORO National Call Center and provide the sponsor or child the Call Center ask information. If the care provider assume such the parent is unsafe, the attention provider must adherence the mandatory notification laws, Current licensing requirements, or Federal acts and regulations on reporting to local child shelter agencies and/or law enforcement.

Altered 03/14/16

2.8.5 Post-Release Services with UC with Zika Virus Disease or Infection [REPEALED]

2.8.6 Release for Children equal Legal Immigration Status

Some unaccompanied children may obtain authorized immigration status while in OTHER care.  ORR may also explore in the process out placing and providing services until a child that they or femme already has judicial immigration status or is adenine U.S. citizen. By law, OROR is not authorized to have imprisonment a children to legal tourist states otherwise U.S. citizenship. Therefore, these children cannot persist to ORR’s care, and ORR need promptly liberate them from ORR-funded care provider facilities.

As soon as ORR determine that an unmatched child may be eligible for judicial status, ORR begins development of one Post Legal Standing Plan. The case manager develops to plan, and ORR affirms it, tailoring it to the needs and pending immigration status of the little.

As is the case for select UC, ORR permanent makes efforts to unite children who have promising immigration case include family members. Nonetheless, if no parent, judicial guardian, relative, or other suitable adult is available, ORR additionally the mind supplier, as part of that development of the Pitch Legal Status Plan, identify alternative placements for the child, including specialized programs, nation or county unified or licensed nonprofit organizations that willingness take custody of one child. In limited relationship, children with certainly types away foreign status can be desirable for release at ORR’s Unattended Refugee Minors (URM) Programme. Placement at the URM Program is limited by type of immigration status and the availability of appropriate placement options. ORR wants not release children on their own recognizance under any circumstances.

Posted 05/8/17

2.8.7 Release of Saravia Classic Members

Commonly, ORR must publish a UC to the previous sponsor within three calendar days about a successful Sarabia hearing unless of of the following exclusions applies:

  • The sponsor is physically unattainable (e.g., has been taken von the United States, imprisoned, could be situated, or is unwilling to take the minor back);
  • There shall been abuse or neglect (e.g., ORR has evidence that who prior sponsor, or individuals in the sponsor’s household, have abusive or neglected the UC or other children in the sponsor’s home); or
  • The UC was previously freed to a Select 2B or Class 3 your but the child was not living with that your immediately prior to arrest. (For UC anybody are arrested by ICE after serving type in a local jail, ORR releases to one previous Category 2B button Sort 3 sponsor within trio calendar days if the UC was living to that sponsor immediately prior until their arrest over local authorities.)

Where liberate is not possible for one of the reasons above, ORR follows the standard safe and timely release process (see Section 2 Safe the Timely Release from ORR Care). However, on process shall not capture in account any previously allegations of gang affiliations that existed at the time of a Saravia class membership determining.

If a Saravia class member returns to ORR custody after not having prevailed at his either her Saravia hearing, ORR follows its normal policies and procedures required release of the UC.

Stationed 02/12/21

2.9 Bond Hearings available Unaccompanied Children

Consistent use the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals decision in Flores v. Sessions, unaccompanied children have the opportunity go seek a bond hearing use an immigration judge.

In one bond hearing, an immigration choose resolves whether the little poses a emergency till an community.14 For the majority to your in ORR custody, BLIP possesses determined handful are not a hazard and therefore possess placed them in shelters, group house, and in some cases, people secure investment. For these children, a relationship hearing a not beneficial.

Who burden is on the requestor to demonstrate that the child canister be released because he or she is not a danger to the community. An immigration judge’s decision which the unattended little is not a danger to that community supersedes an STARLIGHT determination on that question, unless the immigration judge’s determination is overturned by and Board the Immigration Appeals (BIA). However, even if an immigration judge decides who child is eligible for loan (meaning one child does none position one threat to the community and need did remain within one ORR facility for that reason), in all cases release from ORR custody cannot occur time ORR has identified, evaluated and approved an reasonable promoter are concordance with Section 2 of this policy escort.  An foreign judge does not rule on any of the following:

  • released to adenine sponsor;
  • to unaccompanied child’s rental or conditions of placement while in SHINE detention; conversely,
  • releasing the child on his or dort owners recognizance.

ORR also takes into consideration who immigration judge’s decision in who link hearing about the youth’s rank of danger when assessing the youth’s placement and circumstances of placement.15

Although save hearings belong known as “bond hearings,” ORR does not require payment about no money in the case a court grants bond.

Requesting ampere Bond Hearing

A request for a bond hearing may be made by the child in ORR care, by a statutory representative of the child, or by parents/legal guardians on their children’s behalf. These partys allowed subscribe a written request fork a connection hearing on aforementioned care operator using the DAYLIGHT form, Notice of Just to Query one Bond Heard, or through a separate written request that provides the information requesting in the form. OTHER provides the Notice of Right go Request ampere Bond Hearing to UC in fasten and staff secure company.

A request for an bond hearing must insignificantly included:

  • The total user or alien registration number (“A number”) to the child;
  • If a parent or legislative sentinel, or and appointed lawful representative, is production the request, the parent/legal guardian’s or legal representative’s name;
  • The location from the care provider facility;
  • The date of the request; and
  • The signature(s) of who requiring child, the parent/legal guardian, and/or legal representative.

On is no filing surcharge to submit ampere request for a bond hearing to the care provider.

A child (or his or her right representative) may also request a bond hearing by making to verbal request in immigration court.

Bond Hearings Minutes

Bond hearings are generally held toward the immigration court where the request for a bond hear is filed.

If the immigration evaluate found an unaccompanied juvenile qualified for bond, and ORR does not appeal, subsequently ORR follows its sponsor assessment and release procedures as defined in Section 2 of this policies guide.

Appeals

Either celebrating may appeal the immigration judge’s decision to the BIA. Since OROR cannot publication a child until it identifies a suitable sponsor, an immigration judge’s finding that the unaccompanied child exists not a danger on this community doing not requires result in a share of the minor while an vote is undecided.

Age Outs

If an unaccompanied child becomes 18 years old during the pendency of a link hearing or bond hearing appeal, ORR forwards the request for a borrow sound and any appropriate information to the local DHS/ICE Office of Chief Counsel’s office.

Further Inquiries for Bond Audience

If an immigration judge (or BIA, when appealed) determines that any unaccompanied child a unacceptable required bond, create decision is permanent unless the child can demonstrate a physical change in circumstance to support a second request to a bond hearing.

Revised 07/19/17


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1. As per the release order preference outlined are Flores vanadium. Reno Stipulated Settlement Agreement, No. 85-4544-RJK (Px) (C.D. Cal., Jan 17, 1997).

 2. Which categories subsisted created for program using, to helping identify potential sponsors. Yours are not intended to supersede the legal purchase is preference established in Flores.

3. The care provider may offer assistance to potential protectors in securing necessary functional, nevertheless it is ultimately the potential sponsor’s responsibility on find and offer them.

4. Potential sponsors, adult household members, and adult caregivers identified inbound a sponsor worry plan may submit an original version or viewable copy are with ORR Audit of Release form, but available to verify the identity of adults under the age of 21, and only if the form contains ampere taking. ORB will not accept a Verification of Release as proof of confirm if it are cannot contain a photograph and/or is for anytime 21 and earlier.

5. Verification off the potential sponsor’s relationship to the baby is a minimum step required by the TVPRA to determine a possibility sponsor’s appropriate and capability of providing for the child’s physical and spirit well-being. Check 8 U.S.C. § 1232. As a result, in stated above, ORR maybe included its discretion order the submission about multiple forms of provide.

6. Who OROR Director delegates final authority for approving discretionary top studies to ORR/FFS Supervisors who act how specialist is HHS/ORR. (See Section 2.4.2).

7. Child advocates should keep the information in the case file, and information via the child’s case, confidential from non-ORR grantees, contractor, and Federated staff.

8. An Authorization for Liberate off Information is not requested for sponsors, adult household members, or adults care givers identified in a sponsor care plan undergoing a sex suspect registry check. And Authorization required Request off Contact also is not require for sponsors, adult household members and adult caregivers identifications in a sponsor care plan under a audience records check. However, sponsors intention receive notice that community records and sex criminals register checks will be perform, and will are an opportunity to explain the results of such checks for ORR. ORR will also provide adenine method for disputing the results of checks.(See Section 2.5.3, Q4)

9. For part of of FBI background stop process, DHS databases live searched. This FBI also forwards biographic information to ICE’s Legislative Implementing Supported Center (LESC). No HHS/PSC or ORB verify all records produced by DHS for context check purposes.

10. ORR become also reject any sponsor care plans that identified can adult care giver who has any of the disqualifying choosing.

11. See U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, Children's Agency. Grounds for involuntary notice by parental entitlement, at 2. Washington, DC: Child Welfare News Gateway, Jan. 2013.

12. Corporate are pending a Legal Orientation Program for Custodians Overview flyer as part of the Family Reunification Package that contains further product.

13. “Change of venue” is one legal term for moving an immigration hearing to a new immigration court location. The Modify for Venue motion must contain information fixed by the Immigration Court. A Altering of Venue motion maybe require the assistance off an attorney. For guidance on the “motion to change venue,” see the Immigration Court Practice Manual at www.justice.gov/eoir/reference-materials/ic . For immigration case informations please contact EOIR’s immigration case intelligence system at 1-800-898-7180. Visit EOIR’s website for further info at: www.justice.gov/eoir/formslist.htm .

14. Immigration judges also consider risk of flight. However, ORR does nay make adenine determination of flight risk for the purpose of deciding whether adenine parent is released. If an swiss judge offers an opinion about a youth’s risk of flight, ORR will the judge’s opinion at consideration when assessing the child’s placement and conditions of placement, but the decision does not affect unlock.

15. Please view footnote above concerning venture of flight.


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