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The number of unaccompanied minors that have crossed the border into the United States has increased dramatically over the last 10 years. The vast majority cross the southern border into the United States, and are referred to the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). These children are then placed in a facility or shelter until released to a family member or sponsor which can be located anywhere in the country.
These minors do not receive legal immigration status. However, there are federal protections to ensure that these minors receive adequate health care and education. Often, these protections are difficult to access because of substantial barriers that can include:
- a lack of proper paperwork that should have been documented by ORR
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Language and cultural incompetencies
- a lack of knowledge on how to navigate schools and health care
- Unstable housing
- Multiple adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) that require specialized health and education services
Given the barriers above, these children would benefit from schools and health partners that are able to provide tailored supports that meet the unique needs of this population. Below are resources that are helpful in understanding the rights of unaccompanied minors, and how schools and health partners can build and maintain support services. We hope they are useful to you in your work.
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