This week’s conversation about unaccompanied children is about the essential services provided by USCRI’s Center for Refugee and Immigrant Children (CRIC) following their release to parents and guardians. Vice President AnnaMarie Bena talks to Director Matt Haygood about the post-release needs of unaccompanied children on their immigration journey.

In 2005, USCRI began providing services to unaccompanied children who had recently arrived in the U.S. When unaccompanied children are placed in federal custody, the goal is to safely unite them with a family member or sponsor as quickly as possible. The most vulnerable children are referred for home assessments prior to release to ensure they are released to safe environments and that sponsors are prepared to meet their needs. Eligible children also receive follow-up services to ensure their successful integration into the community.

USCRI provides these services to unaccompanied children and their sponsors through the Home Study and Post Release Services program. Once released, case managers connect families with legal, medical, mental health and other community resources that families may need. Case managers conduct home visits to ensure children are safe and provide education to facilitate their successful integration into the community. USCRI and its partners provide services to more than 3,000 children and their sponsors across the country each year.

Join us next Thursday, May 27th  at 2:00 p.m. on our Facebook page (facebook.com/USCRI) for Part 3 of the series featuring Hila Moss, our Managing Attorney for Legal Services.