Unaccompanied Children

Unaccompanied children are minors under 18 who arrive in the United States without a parent or legal guardian. Many have fled violence, persecution, or abuse in their home countries and enter federal custody at the border. The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) runs specialized programs to provide shelter, care, and support while working to place them with family members or sponsors and help them navigate complex immigration proceedings.

Federal Programs Serving Unaccompanied Children

ORR operates two main programs for these children. The Unaccompanied Alien Children Bureau (UACB) provides immediate care and shelter to children referred by immigration authorities, while the Unaccompanied Refugee Minors Program (URM) offers specialized foster care for refugee minors and other eligible youth. Both programs rely on a network of shelters and providers across the country and are guided by child welfare principles, including placing children in the least restrictive setting that is in their best interest.

Services and Support

Children in ORR custody receive temporary housing, food, clothing, health and mental health care, education, English language training, and help preparing for independent living. After release to a sponsor, many also receive post-release services such as case management and referrals to community resources. Legal orientation and, in many cases, full legal representation are critical parts of the support system, helping children understand their rights and options in immigration court.

Finding Sponsors and Reunification

A key goal is quickly identifying and vetting safe sponsors—usually family members or relatives already in the U.S.—to care for children while their immigration cases proceed. ORR conducts background checks and home assessments to ensure sponsor suitability. For children whose parents cannot be located or are unsafe, the URM program can provide longer-term foster care and support. More details about how the program works and who qualifies are available in the Understanding the Unaccompanied Children Program explainer.