Volunteer Child Advocate for Unaccompanied Children in DC and surrounding areas

Volunteer Child Advocate Opportunity – DC & Surrounding Areas

The Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights is seeking volunteers in DC and the surrounding areas to support immigrant children. We are hosting a Volunteer Child Advocate training for new volunteers on March 22nd and 23rd in Washington, DC. For more information or to get involved, please reach out to us at volunteer@theyoungcenter.org.

The Young Center works to promote the best interests of unaccompanied and separated immigrant children. As a trusted ally, we accompany children through court proceedings, advocate for their best interests, and push for a dedicated juvenile immigrant justice system that prioritizes their safety and well-being. Every young immigrant deserves to be safe, and we are committed to ensuring that children’s needs come first.

About the Volunteer Child Advocate Role

A Volunteer Child Advocate is an adult who spends time with and advocates on behalf of an unaccompanied immigrant child throughout their immigration proceedings. Advocates are a critical part of our work, providing support and guidance during what is often a very challenging time for these children.

Who Can Volunteer?

The Young Center welcomes volunteers from all backgrounds, and we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive volunteer community. We do not discriminate based on race, color, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, ancestry, marital or parental status, pregnancy, citizenship, disability, genetic information, or veterans’ status. Reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified individuals with disabilities to participate in the volunteer application process. Please inform us in writing of any special needs at the time of application.

Volunteers must be at least 21 years old. We have a particular need for bilingual volunteers, especially those who speak Spanish, Haitian Creole, French, Arabic, Somali, and Indigenous Languages of Central America.

Volunteer Child Advocate responsibilities include the following:

• Visit with the child each week and advocate for their best interests in collaboration with Young Center staff.
• Help the child think through options and decisions.
• Maintain regular communication with the Young Center staff.

Volunteers must:

• Attend both days of the Volunteer Child Advocate Training
• Submit all clearance documentation
• Complete a video interview with the Volunteer Coordinator
• Pass FBI/State background check and relevant child abuse/neglect check
• Provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination
• Provide proof of negative tuberculosis (TB) result
• Have reliable access to transportation

Training topics include vicarious trauma, U.S. immigration law, and issues facing unaccompanied immigrant children. Once screened and assigned to an individual child, each Volunteer Child Advocate receives continued training, support, and supervision from Young Center staff.