Supporting Separated Children and Families

In response to the issue of family separation at the U.S.- Mexico border, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Migration and Refugee Services (USCCB/MRS) has developed the following resource to address the family separation issue, which includes information on what you can do to help. As always, we thank you for your interest and commitment to supporting migrant children and families.

Resources
  • Checklist Tool for Service Providers: USCCB/MRS has developed a step by step checklist for service providers working with separated children and families.
  • DHS/HHS Resources Sheet: The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) have developed a DHS/HHS Resource Sheet for Families impacted by family separation.
  • ORR National Call Center: Contact the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Refugee Resettlement (HHS/ORR) ORR National Call Center at 1 (800) 203-7001 for assistance locating a separated child and to facilitate contact with family.
  • Background on family separation: Please see our English and Spanish backgrounder to learn more about this issue. Additional information can also be found on the Justice for Immigrants resource page on Family Separation.

How You Can Help
  • Contact your local Catholic Charities affiliate to learn about their material/volunteer needs to include the donation of needed items, including clothing, hygiene products, food, and cash.
  • Donate! Support the work of USCCB/MRS on behalf of separated children and families by making a tax-deductible contribution to the MRS’ Unaccompanied Children's Fund. If you are in New York, Florida, or Washington, DC, make your donation here. Residents of other states should return the donation form. You can also send an email to [email protected] for addition questions on making a contribution to MRS.
  • Join the Justice for Immigrants Campaign and become a part of a network of Catholic institutions, individuals, and other persons of good faith.
  • Become a foster parent for an unaccompanied child! USCCB/MRS currently provides foster care to unaccompanied children. You can find a list of locations at www.usccb.org/fostercare. Those interested in becoming a foster parent would need to follow state and agency guidelines for training and licensing. If you live in one of states we serve, and are interested in becoming a foster parent, contact [email protected] for more information. If there are no USCCB or LIRS programs in your area, please direct your inquiries to [email protected].
  • Contact us at [email protected]!