At any given time, more than 2,000 children are held in the custody of US Border Patrol without their parents. They’re being detained for days, sometimes weeks, in facilities without enough food or toothbrushes — going without showering, overcrowded and under-cared for. The conditions in one facility in Clint, Texas, became public when investigators, checking on the US government’s obligations under the Flores agreement (which governs the care of immigrant children in US custody), were so horrified that they turned into public whistle blowers and spoke to the Associated Press about what they saw.
The stories they told have horrified much of America. There has been a public outcry over the horrendous conditions the children have been subjected to, and many have asked what they can do to help these vulnerable kids. Unlike many organizations, LIRS’ work has a direct impact on the well-being of migrant children in detention post-release — and we need your help now more than ever.
For over 40 years, LIRS has worked with unaccompanied minors to pair each child with either transitional care until they can be reunited with a parent or relative, or a long-term safe and stable home — with loving foster families — as the vulnerable youth begin the process of healing and building a new life in America. Once the children have settled into their new homes, we offer a range of support to their families and help the children transition to life in the United States–from educational support and English language training to legal, health, and mental health services, cultural activities and religious preservation.
Become a foster parent
