LEGAL SERVICES PROJECT FOR UNACCOMPANIED MINORS

About the Program

Category: Children and Youth (Best in Category)

Year: 2016

The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors established this Project as a direct response to the unprecedented wave of children traveling from Central America through Mexico, and arriving at our southern border, only to face detention and deportation. From 2011 to 2014, the number of children detained by the Department of Homeland Security increased tenfold, from 6,500 per year to well over 60,000 in 2014. With Immigration Court calendars exceeding 100 youth a day, local legal resources have been completely overwhelmed. Most children will remain unrepresented. Statistics show that 9 out of 10 children without representation are deported, while those represented secure legal status about 50% of the time. Without legal representation, Sonoma County children will likely be deported back to the dangerous conditions from which they fled, regardless of their eligibility for relief. Sonoma County was the first local government public law program to authorize County attorneys to handle these cases on a pro bono basis during County work time. Attorneys, paired in teams, work jointly on cases and access volunteers from the Health and Human Services Departments to provide support services to clients. This program provides for cross-department collaboration and partnerships with the private and non-profit bar, and creates a model for efforts in other areas. This Project aligns with our highest ideals of protecting children from violence and exploitation. Of the four cases taken, Sonoma County attorneys have secured legal status for four Sonoma County children, and two more cases are currently in process. Positive outcomes from the program include increasing staff morale, developing partnerships with the private and non-profit bar, showing support for the local Latino community, and creating inter-departmental collaboration. At least two other public law offices replicated our program, including the Santa Clara County Counsel’s Office and the LA USD Office of the General Counsel.