Independent Oversight for Immigrant Children in Detention: Protecting Rights and Welfare.
This act establishes an independent Office of the Ombudsperson for Immigrant Children to monitor conditions in government and private detention facilities. The goal is to ensure children are held in the least restrictive settings, treated humanely, and released quickly and safely. The Ombudsperson will investigate abuse claims and increase accountability across federal agencies responsible for child custody.
Key points
Creation of an independent Ombudsperson's Office, separate from the agencies responsible for detention (DHS and ORR), ensuring impartial oversight.
The Ombudsperson gains full, unobstructed access to all detention facilities, records, and the ability to conduct confidential interviews with children and staff.
Mandate to investigate abuse, neglect, and lack of access to legal or medical services for detained children, including monthly visits to unlicensed facilities.
Data collected about children cannot be used for immigration enforcement purposes, ensuring privacy and encouraging cooperation.
Expired
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