Chafee Eligibility for Undocumented Immigrant Youth 624-10-75

(Revised 10/15/2013 ML #3389)

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If youth are in the custody of the state child welfare public agency (County, DJS, Tribe), whether or not they are citizens or legal residents of the U.S., they are eligible for all needed child welfare services, including Chafee Independent Living services/funding.

 

Service providers, caseworkers, and advocates should keep in mind that the process for acquiring legal status is lengthy, and that young people who reach the age of 18 without legal status are at very high risk of detention and /or deportation by immigration authorities.

 

Unaccompanied minors who enter foster care may be categorically eligible for citizenship under special provisions for juveniles (Special Juvenile Immigrant Status). The child welfare agency is responsible for pursuing this status on behalf of youth in care and for costs incurred in the legal process of pursuing citizenship.