Family Reunification Monthly Update
 September 2019
Monthly Report

The monthly report for September is due by October 11th.
Quarterly Network Call

The next Quarterly Network Call is scheduled for Wednesday, November 13th. Access information will be sent prior to the meeting.

Previous calls can be accessed via MyMembership under the Training & Technical Assistance tab.
Previous Monthly Updates

January 2019
February 2019
March 2019
April 2019
  May 2019  
  June 2019
July 2019
August 2019
USCCB Closings
USCCB offices will be closed on Monday, October 14th  in observance of a Columbus Day.

USCCB Program Updates

When submitting NOCs to ORR, they should fall under the categories ORR has designated in their guidance (see below).

  • UC Death*
  • Trafficking Concern*
  • Medical Attention*
  • Criminal Activity
  • UC Reported Sexual Abuse by other UC or Staff While in ORR Custody
  • Placement Disruption
  • Unable to Contact Sponsor/UC
  • Run Away
  • CPS Involvement
  • Medical Attention/Hospitalization
  • Sponsor Declines Services

If a NOC does not meet any of the above designated categories, then the NOC should be submitted to USCCB for review (AD-FR copied on the email), to determine if the report should or should not go to ORR.

Once the NOC is reviewed, USCCB/MRS can determine if the NOC can meet one of the designated categories with either additional assessment, follow up needs, or recommendations.

Please review the NOC training and flow chart for guidance. Contact your CSS if you need additional clarification or case consultation.
ORR Policy Updates

On August 23, 2019, the Office of the Federal Register published a joint rule by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for the Apprehension, Processing, Care, and Custody of Alien Minors and Unaccompanied Alien Children. [8 CFR Parts 212 and 236, and 45 CFR Part 410] The rule will take effect 60 days after publication. If this date changes for any reason, ORR will disseminate additional guidance.

The regulations will replace and terminate the 1997 Flores Settlement Agreement (FSA) by implementing its terms, consistent with the Homeland Security Act of 2002 and the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (TVPRA) of 2008, with some modifications to reflect intervening statutory and operational changes. Functionally, the regulation does the following for ORR Programs:

  • Sets standards for the temporary care, placement, and release of unaccompanied alien children (UAC) in the custody of HHS’ Office of Refugee Resettlement, within the Administration for Children and Families. The rule also outlines care provider licensing requirements, considerations for special needs minors, procedures during an emergency or influx, transportation of UAC, and age determinations.

  • Replaces “Bond redeterminations hearings” with new administrative hearings called “810 hearings.” Formerly, bond redetermination hearings were adjudicated by immigration judges, when the final rule goes into effect, the Departmental Appeals Board, an impartial, independent component of HHS, will now hear these cases. UAC can still seek a determination of dangerousness or flight risk that could affect their discharge from federal custody. HHS will bear the burden of production of evidence in these hearings, but UAC will bear the burden of proof by a preponderance of the evidence.

Now that the final rule has been published, HHS along with DHS will seek termination of the FSA. Should the court agree and terminate the agreement, HHS would no longer be bound by the agreement’s provisions or be subject to motions brought by the Flores plaintiffs to enforce its terms.

You can find a link to the final rule here . Additional updates will be shared as they become available.
FR Network Trainings


  • October 9th, 1:30-3pm (EST) - Webinar - School Engagement: Empowering Immigrant Families to Connect
  • Use this link on the above date/time to access the live webinar
  • Call-in: (800)615-2820; Participant code 263527


Additional Training Opportunities:

* Training Tracker - This is the most recent tracker and should be used by all program staff moving forward. It includes instructions and an example for your convenience.
Resources