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A Child Advocate is an adult who volunteers to spend time with, and advocate on behalf of an unaccompanied or separated immigrant child while he or she is subject to immigration/deportation proceedings. We welcome volunteers from all cultures, professions, races, ethnicities and social backgrounds. Advocates must be at least 21 years old. Per federal policy, a background check and tuberculosis screening will be required after the training before beginning on a case. Spanish speakers preferred.
Before being assigned, Advocates are required to complete a two-day virtual training session on child development, communicating with children, U.S. immigration law and issues facing unaccompanied immigrant children. Once assigned to an individual child, each Advocate receives continuous training, support, and supervision from the Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights.
*Our next two day virtual training will take place online (via Zoom) on August 29th and 30th from 9am - 2:30 pm. This will be the last training of the year for our San Antonio office and seats are limited.*
As a Child Advocate, you commit to:
-Visit with the child once a week during the duration of their shelter/facility stay, typically around 3-6 months (Currently all visits are being conducted remotely due to COVID, but we may return to in person visits if and when policy allows).
- Help the child think through options and decisions.
- If available, accompany the child to court hearings and other important meetings and interviews when available.
- Conduct research on the child’s situation in his or her home country.
- Help our staff attorneys and social worker draft a written report regarding best interest recommendations.
- Maintain communication with the Young Center staff, the child’s Case Manager at the shelter and the child’s attorney.
No additional volunteer opportunities at this time.
About The Young Center for Immigrant Children's Rights
Location:
816 Camaron St., Suite 1349, San Antonio, TX 78212, US
Mission Statement
The mission of the Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights is to promote the best interests of unaccompanied immigrant children with due regard to the child’s expressed wishes, according to the Convention on the Rights of the Child and state and federal law.
Description
The Young Center is a champion for the best interests of children who arrive in the United States on their own, from all corners of the world. We serve as trusted allies for these children by accompanying them through court proceedings, advocating for their best interests, and standing for the creation of a dedicated juvenile immigrant justice system that ensures the safety and well-being of every child.
Advocacy & Human Rights
Children & Youth
Immigrants & Refugees
WHEN
Sat Aug 29, 2020 - Sun Aug 30, 2020
09:00 AM - 02:30 PM
WHERE
Various locations throughout San AntonioSan Antonio, TX78212
(29.45957,-98.49522)
DATE POSTED
July 8, 2020
SKILLS
Mentoring
English as a Secondary Language (ESL)
Youth Services
Child Welfare
Child Advocacy
Immigration Law
GOOD FOR
N/A
REQUIREMENTS
Background Check
Must be at least 21
Orientation or Training
Advocates must attend 2 day training, then commit to one hour per week once assigned to a case. Cases typically last 3-6 months.
Must pass Federal Background Check and Tuberculosis screening per federal guidelines to enter the detention centers.
