International Children's Rights

The program provides immigration services for children who are abused, abandoned or neglected and for women and children who are victims of trafficking or domestic violence in Los Angeles County. Services include guardianship assistance for youth, international rights for women and children, self petitions for battered spouses, special immigrant juvenile petitions, and visas for victims of human trafficking. There are no geographic restrictions.

Through the Special Immigrant Juvenile Status law, the agency will assist undocumented children who have been abused, abandoned or neglected to become lawful permanent residents.

Through the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act, the agency will assist immigrants in obtaining T and U visas. T visas are available to victims of a severe form of trafficking in persons. This includes sex trafficking of children under 18 years of age or recruiting persons for labor or services through force, fraud or coercion for the purpose of subjection to involuntary servitude. U visas are available to immigrants who are either victims of or possess information concerning a specific crime.

Through the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), the agency will work with victims of domestic violence, who are married to or recently divorced from U.S. citizens and legal residents, to leave their abusive relationships and independently petition for their immigration status.

Through the probate courts, the agency will work with children under 18 and potential guardians in obtaining legal guardianship.