Children’s Defense Fund opposes federal proposal on unaccompanied minors

The Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) is urging lawmakers and the public to oppose a proposal from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services regarding the treatment of unaccompanied minors in federal custody.

The proposed rule, introduced by the Office of Refugee Resettlement, would allow unvetted federal contractors to conduct body searches on unaccompanied children. Additionally, the CDF claims the proposal would create new financial eligibility requirements and complications that would make it significantly harder for children to reunite with safe family members.

CDF President and CEO Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson criticized the measure, arguing it could lead to state-sanctioned child abuse and increased trauma by keeping children in federal custody for longer periods. The public comment period for the proposal concludes on August 25 at 11:59 p.m. EST.