Statement from NFYI: Agencies have a responsibility to foster youth, regardless of immigration status

The National Foster Youth Institute is deeply concerned by reports that young people in foster care are possibly being detained by federal immigration authorities, and that some of their caregivers are being targeted as well.

When the government places a child into foster care, it takes on the critical responsibility of insuring that young person’s well-being. The government is providing young people a safety net when others have failed them. As part of creating that safety net, foster youth are told about their rights, and how the government and their new caregivers are to protect them from any further trauma. Actions that cause fear, instability, or re-traumatization run counter to the very purpose of foster care.

We urge all federal agencies to work with local child welfare agencies and allied foster youth organizations to collaborate in partnership to ensure that every young person in care is treated with dignity, compassion, and care, regardless of their immigration status.