Who is Eligible?
Guatemalan children who have chosen to return home, who have taken voluntary departure, or who have been ordered deported are eligible to participate in the project. Returning children are identified and referred to GCRRP through KIND's pro bono legal services network and through partnerships with other organizations throughout the country. Participation in GCRRP is voluntary and GCRRP staff works closely with each child to ensure his/her involvement throughout the different stages of the return and reintegration process.
While many unaccompanied children have viable claims for U.S. protection, KIND recognizes that a number of others do not, and that they must return to their home countries. Unfortunately, no formal system exists for these children to ensure that they return safely and to address the conditions that caused them to make the dangerous journey to the United States alone. These conditions often remain unchanged upon the child’s return.
KIND has partnered with The Global Fund for Children (GFC) to address this vital gap through a pilot project, the Guatemalan Child Return and Reintegration Project (GCRRP) – one of the first projects of its kind. The GCRRP works to ensure a safe return for unaccompanied children and provide support upon their arrival to Guatemala to access vital services. About 20 percent of the more than 8,000 unaccompanied children who come to the United States each year are from Guatemala.
KIND and The Global Fund will take the best practices learned from this project and advocate to create additional projects in the region.
How Does it Work?
Upon referral, GCRRP’s social worker conducts a thorough assessment with each child to establish a service plan that focuses on the best interests of the child and identifies safe placement options, particular needs, and the child’s goals upon return. Each child is then linked to GCRRP partner organizations in Guatemala, which provide necessary services for the child when he/she returns. GCRRP staff also provide ongoing technical assistance and case monitoring to ensure that the child’s transition is as safe and successful as possible.
KIND uses Skype and video conferencing to allow GCRRP staff, who are based in Washington D.C., to facilitate confidential, face to face assessments with children who are located nationwide, and to communicate with partner organizations in Guatemala.
For Questions about the GCRRP Please Contact
Wendy Ramirez This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (202)842-8691
To refer a child, please contact Isabella Stackl, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (202)824-8684
GCCRP Fact Sheet
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GCRRP Fact Sheet
Spanish
How Does GCCRP Work?
English
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How Does GCCRP Work?
Spanish
Who Are Our Partners?
The Global Fund for Children supports four nonprofit community-based organizations in Guatemala who have partnered with GCRRP to provide services to returning children. Each organization has extensive experience and expertise in working with children and youth and offers a wide range of holistic services throughout Guatemala. Available services for returning children, youth and their families include temporary shelter, family reunification assistance, psychological services, education, job training, employment assistance, and workshops to support social reintegration.
Global Fund for Children's (GFC) mission is to advance the dignity of children and youth around the world. GFC pursues its mission by making small grants to innovative community-based organizations working with some of the world's most vulnerable children and youth, complemented by a dynamic media program that, through books, documentary photography, and film, highlights the issues affecting children and celebrates the global society in which we all live. GFC has identified GCRRP's five partner organizations in Guatemala and provides program grants to each organization to support their work, build their capacity and promote organizational sustainability.
Asociación El Refugio de la Niñez
(Children's Refuge Association)
Asociación El Refugio de la Niñez provides comprehensive social services to children and youth thrvoughout Guatemala. Trained social workers, psychologists, lawyers, and educators offer a range of services that include temporary shelter and protection, family reunification assistance, and psychological and emotional support. El Refugio's programs strive to help children reunify safely and securely with their families. El Refugio specializes in working with children and youth who are survivors of physical/sexual abuse or human trafficking.
Fundación Castillo de Amor Para la Niñez
(Castle of Love Children's Foundation)
Fundación Castillo de Amor Para la Niñez works to help at-risk children create a stable and secure future. Street teams work in Guatemala City to provide basic services and counseling to children and youth living or working on the streets. Children in need of shelter participate in El Castillo's temporary home program and receive a wide range of social services. Trained social workers and psychologists provide comprehensive family reunification services to help children reintegrate into their families or extended families.
Desarrollo Sostenible para Guatemala
(Sustainable Development for Guatemala)
Desarrollo Sostenible para Guatemala (DESGUA) works to bridge networks of Guatemalan migrants living in the United States and networks in migrant-sending communities in Guatemala to increase local economic development and sustainability. DESGUA's services focus on social reintegration of returned migrants and support to communities that have been impacted by the migration of its residents. DESGUA provides educational and vocational assistance and conducts workshops on migration and local development issues to integrate and empower returning migrants in their communities.
Asociación Pop No'J
Asociación Pop No'j aims to facilitate the political organization of indigenous leaders through exchange, dialogue, and group learning, and to build indigenous movements in Mesoamerica (which includes Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua). Pop No'j focuses on training indigenous leaders and encouraging Mayan youth organizations throughout the country to build networks and participate politically. Pop No'j has an extensive youth program that focuses on building positive cultural identity, and civic participation.
