Kids in Need of Defense (KIND)

A huge congratulations to Rigoberto Lua for being named the One of a KIND Awardee! 🎉 Rigoberto shared how meaningful this recognition is, especially considering his journey to KIND. After moving 250 miles to a new city and stepping into a legal field where he had limited experience, he’s grateful for the support and mentorship from his colleagues. In a short time, he’s grown as an advocate for clients, and knowing that his peers appreciate his work fuels his commitment to KIND's mission. What Rigoberto enjoys most about working at KIND is the sense of fulfillment he gets from knowing he’s making a difference. Every day, he goes home proud to have helped clients secure safety and happiness. Seeing many of his clients recently become legal permanent residents has been a highlight, as it means he’s played a part in keeping families together in the U.S. We’re lucky to have Rigoberto on the team!

In honor of World Children’s Day, KIND released a new report – Reducing Risks in Uncertainty – that underscores the critical need for free, quality legal assistance for unaccompanied children displaced from Ukraine. This report, created with our partners, highlights the urgent need to protect these vulnerable youth and shares best practices for supporting them during this ongoing crisis. We’re also excited to share that we’re developing a Know Your Rights guide tailored specifically for displaced children, ensuring they have the information they need to navigate their rights and protections. https://lnkd.in/gJwyHmVs

Every child deserves safety, hope, and the chance to thrive. 💙 This #WorldChildrensDay, hear Sindy’s inspiring story. She fled Honduras with her little sister in search of safety. Now, as a proud green card holder, she shares her journey of resilience and reminds us why we must continue to support unaccompanied children and youth. Because every child's future matters.

On #WorldChildrensDay, let’s remember: children don’t choose to leave their homes; they’re forced to flee. Every day, young lives are uprooted by trafficking, human rights abuses, violence, natural disasters, and other threats. We have a responsibility to ensure their safety, dignity, and the future they deserve. Make an impact today. Donate now: https://bit.ly/3OgE6qP

Unaccompanied children deserve safety, care, and support. Share their stories and learn how to advocate for the most vulnerable. Download our guide now. https://lnkd.in/egRs-xhE #keepingkidssafe

On #WorldKindnessDay, we’re reminded of how even the smallest acts of kindness can create hope and change in the lives of those who need it most. At KIND, our mission is driven by compassion as we work to protect unaccompanied children seeking safety from violence, trafficking, and other dangers. Today, let’s celebrate the power of kindness and the difference each of us can make in a child’s life. 🌍💖 Tell us below: What does kindness mean to you?

As part of KIND’s unwavering commitment to protect unaccompanied children, we’re sharing a new video series that captures the voices of everyday people on why child protection matters. In the wake of the 2024 election, these personal stories reflect a shared belief: safeguarding vulnerable children is a responsibility we all carry. Join us as we explore what it means to support unaccompanied children seeking safety—children who have faced unimaginable challenges and are now in pursuit of a brighter, more secure future. #SupportKIND #childprotection

Now that Donald Trump has officially been declared the winner of the 2024 presidential election, KIND feels a deep sense of urgency and determination. Unaccompanied and separated children will need the services of KIND more than ever. The next Administration has already warned us that protections for those seeking safety, including children, are at risk. We risk returning to harsh measures like the “Zero Tolerance” family separation policy, family detention, and restrictive asylum policies that endanger children. KIND has been here before, and we rose to meet themoment. We will do so again. Unaccompanied children’s futures are more uncertain than ever but we will continue to fight for the safety and rights of unaccompanied and separated children.

With Election Day tomorrow, let’s remember that protecting unaccompanied children should be a priority for the next administration. Regardless of the outcome, it’s critical that we create safer pathways for children at risk—so they can access the support and protection they need, even close to home. KIND has developed a blueprint with practical solutions to keep unaccompanied children safe in the U.S. Learn more by reading our blueprint: https://bit.ly/47somtD

We recently hosted a panel on the Vulnerable Youth Guardianship Protection Amendment Act (VYG) in partnership with our pro bono partners Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP. This event celebrated the passage of the VYG act, which empowers legal service providers and pro bono attorneys in DC to file for the requisite state court orders to make non-citizen youth who are 18-21 years old eligible for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS). With these orders, counsel may file I-360 petitions to obtain SIJS, and following approval, clients can obtain work permits, giving them vital identification and work authorization while they await their visas. This achievement marks meaningful progress in securing safety, stability, and a brighter future for vulnerable youth in the DC community.