SPONSOR RESOURCES

How can I find medical care for my child after reunification?​

As a sponsor, you are required to provide medical care for your child. If you do not have health insurance or cannot add the child to your insurance plan, please call the ORR National Center for help finding low-cost community health centers and medical services in your area.​

It is important to understand health and healthcare in the USA. If you need help to find a doctor, get medicine, or learn more about vaccines for children, visit USAHello. This organization provides resources to help find and prepare for a doctor’s appointment.

What if my child is having trouble and needs to talk to someone?​

The ORR National Call Center (NCC) can help children with many different issues, including bullying, depression and anxiety, anger, isolation, abuse and neglect, homelessness, exploitation, and family problems. The NCC can also help children understand the court process, locate assistance, and find documents.

What if I’m facing other challenges caring for my child?​

The ORR National Call Center can provide resources and help on anything from bedtime troubles, issues with eating, emotional outbursts, defiance, isolation, substance abuse, bullying, and more.

What if my child is LGBTQ+ and needs support?​

Many resources exist to support members of the LGBTQ+ community. The ORR National Call Center can help you find resources in your area. ​

​Members of the LGBTQ+ community are often targets of bullying and harassment. If your child is facing these, you need to report it to their school. ​

What if my child and I are having difficulty adjusting and adapting to each other? ​

It is normal for there to be a heightened period of distress as Unaccompanied Children and sponsors adjust to their new living arrangements. If you have concerns about how to adjust, contact the National Mental Health Hotline.

What if I have concerns that the sponsored child is having issues with substance abuse?​

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.

How do I enroll my child in school?​

You are required to enroll a child in school immediately following reunification. To do so, call or visit your local school to set up an appointment to learn about the process and required documents. It is also a good idea to inquire about what social workers or counselors the school has on staff, as these resources help support the child and make the transition to school easier. If you need additional help enrolling your child in school, contact the ORR National Call Center for assistance.

If you have an older child and would like information about the GED program in your state, please visit GED Info by State (learningpath.org).

What if my child is refusing to go to school?​

A child’s refusal to go to school (truancy) can be caused by many things, including bullying, feeling overwhelmed, or having trouble taking classes in English. Your first step should be to ask your child about their feelings to try to determine the cause, then contact your child’s school for help. If you need additional support, please contact the ORR National Call Center.

What if my child is having difficulties with language barriers?

FindHello has help and services for immigrants, refugees, asylum seekers, and undocumented people in the USA. Search for English classes and other educational support services near you.

What if I need help finding an attorney or legal assistance for my child?​

As a sponsor, you are responsible for making sure that your child arrives at court for their court date so that the child does not face a deportation order. You must keep the court updated on the child’s address so that they can attend court in the area where they reside.

ORR legal service providers may help to coordinate a referral to a pro bono (free) attorney for you to provide legal services to you. You may also contact the National Center for Refugee and Immigrant Children.

In addition, a list of pro bono (free of charge) legal service providers can be found by visiting the Immigration Advocates Network (IAN)’s National Immigration Legal Services Directory. The U.S. Department of Justice also has a list of free legal services providers organized by state.

Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) is the preeminent U.S.-based non-governmental organization for the protection of unaccompanied and separated children. KIND connects sponsor families to attorneys who provide representation at no cost.

What if I want to pursue legal guardianship of my child?​

Legal guardianship provides you with the same rights as a biological parent to make important decisions for your child. You will need a family law attorney if you choose to pursue this. The ORR National Call Center can help you find family law attorneys in your area.

What if my child has run away or I am concerned that they might run away?​

Children struggling to adjust to their new home environment may feel isolated. Isolation can lead to depression, anger, frustration, and the possibility that the child runs away from home. If you have concerns that the child in your care is struggling and in need of assistance or someone to talk to, please contact the National Runaway Hotline.

If your child runs away, this must be reported to the local police. Failure to report a runaway is a criminal act in some states, so it is imperative that you report promptly. If you need assistance reporting a runaway, or if you are afraid that your child might run away, please call the ORR National Call Center.

Another resource is the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NMEC), which will keep your child’s information in a national database to communicate with law enforcement nationally.

What if I’m concerned that my child is a danger to himself?​

If your child is engaging in self-harming behaviors, or if you are concerned that your child might try to hurt or kill himself, it is required that you get your child help from a professional to keep him safe. If your child is in immediate danger, you should take him to the Emergency Room at your local hospital for help.

If your child has talked about wanting to kill himself, you can find resources and suggestions on how to help at the Suicide Prevention Lifeline.  The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.

What if I suspect that my child is being harmed?​

As a sponsor, you are required to protect your child from harm. If you know your child is being harmed, your failure to report it can be considered neglect. To report abuse or neglect, call your local Child Protective Services or local police.

If you suspect your child is being trafficked or is in danger of being trafficked, call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center. If you believe your child has been contacted by a human trafficking organization or organized crime group, this must be reported to ICE. For help reporting, call the ORR National Call Center.​

For additional help finding local resources, reporting abuse, or finding solutions, call the ORR National Call Center.

What if my child or I are facing domestic violence?​

If you are in immediate danger, call 911. If you need help regarding a domestic violence situation, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

How much does the reunification process cost?​

There are no fees associated with the processing or reunification of children in ORR’s care. Criminals have been known to target the families of children involved in the reunification process. Please treat requests for payment or bank or credit card information with extreme suspicion. As a sponsor, you may be required to make travel arrangements and possibly provide a travel escort for a child under 14 years of age. However, payments should be made directly to the airline or care provider. If you are being asked to provide payment for the reunification of a child, contact the ORR National Call Center for assistance.

What if I’m having financial difficulties caring for my child?​

There are resources in your community, like food banks, low-cost clothing stores, and free medical clinics that can help ease the financial strain of caring for a child. If you need assistance locating resources in your area or if you need help with your budget, call the ORR National Call Center.

What if I’m facing other challenges caring for my child?​

The ORR National Call Center can provide resources and help on anything from bedtime troubles, issues with eating, emotional outbursts, defiance, isolation, substance abuse, bullying, and more. If you need help, call the ORR National Call Center.​

What if my child or I are facing domestic violence?​

If you are in immediate danger, call 911. If you need help regarding a domestic violence situation, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline.