Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires state oversight of unaccompanied undocumented minors.

Highlights:

• Authorizes the Department of Social Services to establish a facilities liaison position in the immigration services unit to help state-licensed group homes, short-term residential therapeutic programs (STRTPs), foster family agencies, and resource families serving undocumented immigrant youth in connecting with supports and services, including legal services, mental health services, and public benefits (Sec. 1).

• Requires the facilities liaison to (Sec. 1):

• When appropriate, help set up meetings for unaccompanied undocumented minors with qualified organizations that have grants for providing legal services to unaccompanied undocumented minors;

• Work with county child welfare agencies, county human services agencies, and other relevant county agencies in order to find supports and services available to group homes, STRTPs, foster family agency licensees, and approved resource families that provide care to undocumented minors, and then connect undocumented minors to these supports and services;

• Find other state and local resources important for ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of undocumented minors, and then connect these resources to group homes, STRTPs, foster family agencies, and approved resource families that serve undocumented minors; and

• Communicate regularly with the Department’s Community Care Licensing Division about any complaints or licensing concerns concerning group homes, STRTPs, foster family agencies, and approved resource families that serve undocumented minors.

• Requires the Department to work with other appropriate state departments and representatives of county agencies that serve undocumented minors, for the development and issuance of guidance for counties, licensees, and other providers concerning services for undocumented minors and their caregivers (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text