How are child victims referred for services?
When a federal law enforcement agency determines that a child is a victim of trafficking, this agency can make a referral to the Department of Health and Human Services/Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). ORR will then issue a determination of eligibility for benefits, which means a child is eligible for benefits and services to the same extent as a refugee. However, children do not have to cooperate with law enforcement in order to access benefits. ORR will also consider requests for benefits from people other than federal law enforcement. Staff at Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) are willing to assist service providers with guidance in navigating referrals and eligibility for services.
Related Questions
- If the public health nurse referred the child to Child Protection Services but maltreatment was never substantiated, should they count this child under V. Child Maltreatment and Abuse?
- What services are provided for unaccompanied child victims of trafficking?
- How are child victims referred for services?
