A Path Home.
We equip pro bono attorneys with the tools, training, and mentorship to challenge children’s indefinite detention and separation from their families.
Project Managers
About The Project
The law requires that children in the custody of the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) be promptly released to suitable sponsors. For most children in ORR custody today, that is not happening.
The Children’s Due Process Project recruits and trains pro bono attorneys, pairs them with legal service providers and child clients, and supports federal habeas cases challenging unlawful and prolonged ORR detention.
Project members receive model pleadings, case guides, mentorship, practical training, and timely support from practitioners doing this work across the country. Children receive high quality legal representation in federal court to challenge their unlawful detention and win their freedom.
“In the face of mounting attacks on unaccompanied children, this project is more needed than ever before.Becky Wolozin, National Center for Youth Law
Resources
We offer a range of materials and trainings to help pro bono attorneys represent children in habeas cases.
American Bar Association Litigation Section - Children’s Rights Litigation Committee
A child-specific practice advisory with pleading templates, filing materials, and related habeas resources.
Open the ABA UC habeas toolkit →Acacia Center for Justice
Practice advisories, templates, updates, and resources for immigration practitioners.
Visit the Practitioner Hub →American Bar Association Litigation Section - Children’s Rights Litigation Committee
On-demand training focused on federal litigation strategies for children experiencing prolonged detention.
Watch the training →National Center for Youth Law
Resources designed to assist attorneys and child advocates in understanding and enforcing the rights of unaccompanied children.
Learn about the rights of detained unaccompanied children →In our voices
Select a child’s declaration to understand what it is like to be held in ORR custody. The names of these children are pseudonyms, but their words are unchanged.
Select a card to reveal the declaration excerpt. Select again to return to the image.
Upcoming trainings
Project members will receive registration details and updates as sessions are scheduled through our pro bono listserv.
Join HereJoin the project
Sign up through our pro bono interest form to represent children who need your help, or to mentor attorneys who are new to filing habeas petitions.