Immigration Legal Services Directory
Immigration Advocates Network
This directory lists nonprofit organizations that provide free or low-cost immigration legal services by geographic location.
View the DirectoryChildren on the move: From protection towards a quality sustainable solution
International Social Service (ISS), June 2017
This publication provides practical information for global support and protection of children “on the move” and their rights. It may serve as a guide for policy-makers and those working with migrant children.
Get the GuideTrump’s Executive Orders and Immigrants’ Access to Health, Food, and Other Public Programs
National Immigration Law Center (March 22, 2017)
This publication seeks to clarify changes to rules and policies that affect immigrants’ access to health, nutrition, and other critical programs in response to executive orders on “public charges”. It is intended as a resource for speaking with immigrants and immigrant families.
Read the PublicationTranslating “Best Interests”: Child Welfare Decisions at the US–México Border
Naomi Glenn-Levin Rodriguez, Political and Legal Anthropology Review (Sept 2016)
The “best interest” principle is examined as effects judicial decisions affecting children. (Link provides abstract only without institutional or paid access.)
Read the AbstractImmigrant and Refugee Children: A Guide for Educators and School Support Staff
United We Dream’s Dream Educational Empowerment Program, National Immigration Law Center, First Focus, American Federation of Teachers (2016)
This guide gives practical advice to educators and school support staff that can inform their actions and be shared with immigrant families.
Get the GuidePost-Release: Linking Unaccompanied Immigrant Children to Family and Community
Breanne L. Grace, PhD & Benjamin J. Roth, PhD, College of Social Work, University of South Carolina (2015)
In the context of increasing numbers of unaccompanied children arriving at the U.S.-Mexico border in the summer of 2014, this report describes the need for post-release services for certain unaccompanied immigrant children.
Access ResourceImmigration Status and Relief Options
A Social Worker’s Toolkit for Working With Immigrant Families
(Updated June 2015)
This toolkit provides a basic overview of the dynamics of the U.S. immigration system as it impacts children and families in the child welfare system. The toolkit includes practical appendices with resources for accessing vital documents, facilitating communication between child welfare and immigration legal counsel, and a summary of immigration relief options applicable to youth in care.
Get the ToolkitPlacement of Children with Undocumented Relatives in the United States
Alan J. Dettlaff, PhD & Caitlin O’Grady, MSW (February 2015)
This brief focuses on policies that address the placement of dependent children with undocumented relatives living in the United States. Although research has found that placing children with relative caregivers can enhance emotional wellbeing, research also suggests that child welfare practitioners often encounter barriers when attempting to place children with undocumented relatives. The policies in this category attempt to reduce these barriers and make placement with undocumented relatives a viable option in cases where such placement is in the best interest of the child in custody.
Read the BriefHealing the Damage: Trauma and Immigrant Families in the Child Welfare System
A Social Worker’s Toolkit for Working With Immigrant Families
(Updated February 2015)
This toolkit provides public child welfare and community-based agencies working with immigrant families guidelines for integrating child welfare practice – from engagement to case closure – with trauma-informed care and trauma-specific services. In addition, the tool kit describes strategies to build an organization’s capacity to better respond to the needs of immigrant families exposed to child maltreatment, domestic and community violence, and other traumatic stresses.
Get the Toolkit