Unaccompanied Alien Children Bureau

ORR's Unaccompanied Alien Children Bureau (UACB), through a network of shelters and programs, provides care and services to all unaccompanied alien children referred to ORR by other federal agencies, as required by the Homeland Security Act of 2002 and the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 (TVPRA).

ORR promptly places unaccompanied alien children in the least restrictive setting that is in the best interests of the child, taking into consideration danger to self, danger to the community, and risk of flight. ORR looks at each child’s unique situation and incorporates child welfare principles when making placement, clinical, case management, and release decisions. 

The majority of unaccompanied alien children are cared for through a network of ORR-funded care provider facilities, which must comply with ORR policies and procedures and offer all required services. The care provider network offers a continuum of care for children in a variety of settings:

• Shelter/group home
• Transitional foster care
• Long-term foster care
• Therapeutic group home
• Residential treatment center
• Heightened supervision facility 

ORR is legally required to provide for their care until they are placed with a vetted sponsor, usually a parent or relative, while their immigration cases proceed.

Fact Sheets

• Unaccompanied Alien Children Bureau Fact Sheet
• Refugee Assistance for Eligible Unaccompanied Alien Children Fact Sheet