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| For her protection Amanda’s name has been changed, but her story is typical of children who come to the United States without guardians and without documentation. They come for a variety of reasons: Some are seeking to reunite with family members or pursue educational or employment opportunities. Others are fleeing family abuse, persecution or gang violence. Tragically, some are brought here by traffickers seeking to exploit them for commercial sex work, domestic servitude or other forced labor.
Luckily, Amanda’s story has a happy ending. Remarkably, she was able to borrow a cell phone and call her mother. Authorities acted quickly, tracing the call and rescuing her within days. She was placed in the custody of the United States government until an appropriate placement could be identified for her. Staff at LIRS received the referral to find a home for Amanda, and a family was identified that could meet her needs. Through a special visa available for trafficking victims, Amanda is now free to stay in the United States, and with the help of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service she is enjoying the life of a normal teenage girl.
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Facts About Children Read more here
Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service currently supports 104 immigrant children that were released from detention to family or other caregivers. LIRS child specialists ensure children that have been reunified continue to find safety and security in their new homes, integrate into their new community, and receive the services they need to be successful. Looking forward this year, LIRS hopes to serve a total of 165 children and their caregivers.
In 2010 Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service found caring foster homes and placement for 223 children. This number reflects 121 refugee children arriving from overseas, 52 unaccompanied immigrant children, 19 victims of child trafficking, and 20 children who received status as Special Immigrant Juveniles amongst others.
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