The Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights is a non-profit organization whose mission is to advocate for the rights of unaccompanied immigrant children. Guided by the principles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and state and federal child protection laws, the Young  Center has developed the only program in the nation that provides guardians ad litem (Child Advocates) for trafficking victims and unaccompanied immigrant children. Our work serving individual children drives our policy work.

Through our work as Child Advocates (guardians ad litem), we promote change by advocating for the best interests of individual immigrant children, thereby educating stakeholders about the importance of considering the ‘Respondent’ as a child. Child Advocates are bilingual and often bicultural volunteers who are trained and supervised by attorneys with experience in children’s rights and immigration law. In every case assigned a Child Advocate, the Young Center provides the child’s attorney (if they are represented) and the decision-maker with a report about the best interests of that individual child.

Consulting

Humanitarian

Non Profit

Young Center for Immigrant Children's Rights

Maria Woltjen

Marisa Chumil

Jane Liu

Gladis Molina Alt

Jennifer Nagda

Dani Doucette

The Legal Team at the Young Center for Immigrant Children's Rights is dedicated to providing legal advocacy and support for unaccompanied immigrant children, ensuring their rights are upheld throughout the immigration process. Comprising experienced attorneys and legal fellows, the team collaborates closely with Child Advocates to assess and report on the best interests of each child, while also engaging in policy and litigation efforts to promote systemic change and strengthen protections for vulnerable children. Through their work, the team strives to educate legal stakeholders and influence policies that reflect the unique needs of immigrant children.

Legal Team

Social Services Team

Program Management

Legal Team

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Other teams at Young Center for Immigrant Children's Rights

Social Services Team

Program Management