Unaccompanied Children in the Office of Refugee Resettlement Care

Area of Science:

• Child Welfare
• Public Health
• Immigration Policy

Background:

• Unaccompanied children in the U.S. are placed in Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) custody.
• These children receive a range of services including health care, education, and legal support.
• The mental and behavioral health needs of these children are a key concern.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the care and services provided to unaccompanied children in ORR custody.
• To highlight the establishment and role of the Mental and Behavioral Health Services Team.
• To underscore the importance of mental health oversight for vulnerable children.

Main Methods:

• Review of ORR program services.
• Description of the organizational structure for mental health oversight.
• Information on the scope of care provided to children.

Main Results:

• ORR care provider settings offer diverse services including physical and mental health care.
• Children receive education, social services, vocational training, and legal support.
• The Mental and Behavioral Health Services Team was formed in 2019 for specialized oversight.

Conclusions:

• The ORR system aims to provide holistic care for unaccompanied children.
• Dedicated mental health services and oversight are crucial for this population.
• Ongoing attention to the mental and behavioral health of children in ORR care is essential.