U.S. Department of Health and Human Services HHS reports over ten thousand unaccompanied migrant children in the care of its Office of Refugee Resettlement, prompting efforts to manage the surge.
According to a statement from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the agency is grappling with an increasing number of unaccompanied migrant children referrals from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The HHS stated, "While ORR has worked to build up its licensed bed capacity, additional capacity is urgently needed to manage the increasing numbers of unaccompanied children referrals from DHS."
A fact sheet released by the HHS on October 13, 2023, shed light on the agency's ongoing efforts to address the situation. The fact sheet emphasized that unaccompanied children are defined as those aged 17 and under, without lawful immigration status, and not accompanied by parents or legal guardians. Once apprehended by the DHS, these children are transferred to the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) under the HHS.
As of the announcement date, the fact sheet revealed that 10,992 children are currently under the care of the ORR. Despite the agency's efforts to increase its licensed bed capacity, the HHS stressed the urgent need for additional capacity to accommodate the rising number of unaccompanied children referred by the DHS.
The fact sheet also provided details on three key facilities. The Pecos ICF, originally established as an Emergency Intake Site in Pecos, Texas, in April 2021, transitioned to an ICF in June 2022. It currently houses 860 children, with a funded capacity of 1,000 beds. The ORR ICF at Fort Bliss, located near El Paso, Texas, converted to an ICF in May 2022 and is currently not housing children, operating in a "warm status" with minimal staffing. The Greensboro Piedmont Academy ICF in Greensboro, North Carolina, is a planned facility with a goal of providing up to 800 beds, but it has not yet been activated.
The HHS fact sheet emphasized the pressing need for additional beds, as existing facilities are at or nearing full capacity. The newly opened ICFs aim to offer a comprehensive range of services, similar to those available in the existing ORR network. The HHS is committed to ensuring that these new ICFs meet or surpass state licensing standards. The fact sheet also highlighted the services provided to children in these facilities, including clean and comfortable sleeping quarters, meals, toiletries, laundry services, education and recreational activities, and medical services.
The surge in unaccompanied migrant children poses significant challenges for the HHS and ORR, necessitating immediate action to address the increasing numbers and provide appropriate care and support for these vulnerable individuals.
