Unaccompanied Children: HHS Can Take Further Actions to Monitor Their Care
Abstract
ORR is responsible for coordinating and implementing the care and placement of unaccompanied children. The number of children placed in ORRs care rose from nearly 6,600 in fiscal year 2011 to nearly 57,500 in fiscal year 2014. GAO was asked to review how ORR managed their care. This report examines (1) ORRs response to the increase in unaccompanied children, (2) how ORR cares for children in its custody and monitors their care, (3) how ORR identifies and screens sponsors for children, and (4) what is known about services children receive after they leave ORR custody. GAO reviewed relevant federal laws and regulations, ORR policies, and ORR and Executive Office for Immigration Review data. GAO also visited nine ORR grantee facilities in three states selected to vary in the type of care provided, shelter size, and location, and conducted a random, non-generalizable case file review of 27 case files of children released from these facilities. GAO interviewed agency officials and community stakeholders in six counties that received unaccompanied children, representing diversity in geographic location, size, and demographics.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 2016
- Accession Number
- AD1157295
Entities
People
- David Barish
- Erika Huber
- Gale Harris
- Jesse Lamarre-vincent
- Kathryn Larin
- Kay E. Brown
- Ramona L Burton
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office