Let’s Talk About You

This resource from Lambda Legal and the American Bar Association Children’s Rights Litigation Committee gives attorneys an overview on how to approach client interviewing and relationship building in a respectful and trauma-informed way. The page discusses the importance of identity for young people’s well being and on their legal cases. It also reviews basic interview…

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Youth Defender Immigration Tip Sheet: Special Immigrant Juvenile Status

“SIJS is a unique form of immigration relief, offering young people who have been “abandoned, abused, or neglected” by a parent an opportunity to become lawful permanent residents. This means that a young person can apply for a green card, employment authorization, and some public benefits, with an eventual pathway to U.S. citizenship. Youth defenders…

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Youth Defender Immigration Tip Sheet: Rights of Noncitizen Youth in Juvenile Court

Youth defenders play a critical role in safeguarding the constitutional rights of noncitizen youth during encounters with immigration officials. This tip sheet provides an overview of the rights of noncitizen youth and strategies for youth defenders to safeguard these rights and mitigate harm throughout the course of representing youth in juvenile court. This tip sheet…

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Youth Defender Immigration Tip Sheet: General Guidance

On February 12, 2025, the Gault Center hosted a youth defense and immigration round table, an opportunity for youth defense advocates and immigration experts to share information and advice on how to navigate the current landscape of immigration actions against youth and families. This tip sheet compiles the advice and resources that were shared during…

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