In person-Volunteer Opportunity to Support Unaccompanied Children in Immigration Custody

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The Young Center trains volunteers to act as Volunteer Child Advocates for detained unaccompanied immigrant children. Volunteers meet regularly with a child in detention to form a connection and get to know their story. Volunteers also collaborate with attorneys and social workers from Young Center to determine the best interests of the children and to advocate for those interests. No legal or social work experience is required, just a heart to support children during a vulnerable period in their lives. Child advocate visits may be in person or virtual depending on the location of the shelter where the child is detained and the proximity to the volunteer. Our Los Angeles offices serves as Child Advocates for children located across California, Washington state and Oregon.

To become a volunteer, you must:

• Live in California, Oregon or Washington
• Be at least 21 years old.
• Complete an online application.
• Complete a virtual interview.
• Be willing to submit a background check and child abuse/neglect registry check.
• Attend our next two day in person training on August 23rd and 24th (will take place in person in the Los Angeles area)
• Be able to meet with children in- person in person at a local shelter and/or virtually.
  • YC will consider appointments based on location of volunteer in proximity to shelter)
• Be able to commit to serving as a Volunteer Child Advocate for at least 12 months.
• Demonstrate cultural competency.
• Fill out Interest Form here: https://www.theyoungcenter.org/volunteer-child-advocate-application