KIND Guatemalan Child Return and Reintegration Project Assists First Child
- Wednesday, December 29, 2010 |
- Written by Megan Mckenna
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Miguel*, a 17-year-old from Central Guatemala who was in immigration detention, recently returned home after living with his aunt in the United States and being apart from his family for several years. He came to the U.S. to study and to work to support his family. When Miguel's claim for immigration status was denied and he received a removal order in November 2010, he was referred to KIND's Guatemalan Child Return and Reintegration Project (GCRRP) by his attorney. Through KIND's partnership with The Global Fund for Children and five local nonprofit organizations in Guatemala, KIND is able to assist children like Miguel return home and access critical services upon their arrival. KIND also works closely with U.S. and Guatemalan government agencies to help ensure that the return process is as seamless as possible.
After Miguel was referred to the program, GCRRP's social worker met with him at the detention facility. At this meeting, Miguel and the social worker assessed his social service needs and his goals for the future, discussed the return and reintegration process, and identified family reunification options. During this assessment, Miguel shared that he hoped to return to his mother in Guatemala. GCRRP's social worker worked with Miguel and one of KIND's partner nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), Asociación El Refugio de la Niñez, to make that happen. Staff from Asociación El Refugio de la Niñez conducted a home study with Miguel's family to ensure the environment was safe, and assisted the family with preparations for his arrival. The NGO staff also identified several organizations within Miguel's local community that offer educational, vocational, medical, and mental health services.
While Miguel's family and KIND's partner organizations in Guatemala prepared for his arrival, GCRRP's social worker updated Miguel weekly, ensuring his involvement in the entire return and reintegration process. Through regular contact with Miguel, the GCRRP social worker made sure that he understood what was going to happen and was able to address his questions and concerns.
When Miguel recently returned to Guatemala he was met at the airport by his mother, staff from Asociación El Refugio de la Niñez, and 12 other members of his family. KIND's partnership with local NGOs and the collaboration with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Guatemalan Consulate as well as government agencies in Guatemala resulted in a safe and successful return for Miguel.
KIND continues to maintain contact with Miguel and his family and works closely with Asociación El Refugio de la Niñez to ensure Miguel's success. Miguel has expressed an interest in continuing to learn English and in attending computer classes. He is hoping to find employment using his English skills. KIND staff will be traveling to Guatemala in January and looks forward to visiting Miguel and his family in their community.
