118 S4393 IS: Children’s Safe Welcome Act of 2024
U.S. Senate
2024-05-22
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.
1.Short title; table of contents(a)This Act may be cited as the Children’s Safe Welcome Act of 2024
.(b)The table of contents for this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.Sec. 2. Definitions.TITLE I—Procedures and temporary placements following apprehensionSec. 101. Prohibition on family separation.Sec. 102. Protections for noncitizen children.Sec. 103. Nonadversarial asylum processing for noncitizen children.Sec. 104. Standards for U.S. Customs and Border Protection detention of noncitizen children.Sec. 105. Standards for U.S. Customs and Border Protection facilities housing noncitizen children.Sec. 106. Modification of term asylum officer
to exclude officers of U.S. Customs and Border Protection.TITLE II—Standards for Department of Health and Human Services custody of unaccompanied noncitizen childrenSubtitle A—Standards for foster care homes and childcare facilitiesSec. 201. Operation of foster care homes and childcare facilities.Sec. 202. Notice of rights.Sec. 203. Staffing and training.Subtitle B—Services for unaccompanied noncitizen childrenSec. 211. Required services.Sec. 212. Evaluation for disability.Sec. 213. Education.Sec. 214. Recreation.Subtitle C—Placement of childrenSec. 221. Phasing out large congregate care facilities.Sec. 222. Least restrictive setting.Sec. 223. Foster family care.Sec. 224. Additional requirements relating to children with disabilities and children with mental health needs.Sec. 225. Minimizing transfers.Sec. 226. Restrictive placements.Sec. 227. Judicial review of placement.Subtitle D—Family reunification and standards relating to sponsorsSec. 231. Family reunification efforts by Office of Refugee Resettlement.Sec. 232. Standards relating to sponsors.Sec. 233. Special considerations relating to release of children with disabilities.Subtitle E—ReleaseSec. 241. Procedures for release.Sec. 242. Post-release services.Sec. 243. Individuals attaining 18 years of age.Sec. 244. Custody review by Ombudsperson.TITLE III—Emergencies and influxesSec. 301. Sense of Congress.Sec. 302. Definitions.Sec. 303. Placement.Sec. 304. Planning for emergencies and influxes.Sec. 305. Influx facility standards and staffing.Sec. 306. Monitoring and oversight.TITLE IV—Legal representation for unaccompanied noncitizen childrenSec. 401. Legal orientation presentations and legal screenings.Sec. 402. Legal representation.TITLE V—Appointment of child advocates and improvements to immigration courtsSec. 501. Appointment of child advocates.Sec. 502. Immigration court improvements.TITLE VI—Oversight, monitoring, and enforcementSec. 601. Office of the Ombudsperson for Unaccompanied Noncitizen Children in Immigration Custody.Sec. 602. Data collection and reporting.Sec. 603. Enforcement.Sec. 604. Protection from retaliation.Sec. 605. Mandatory access to detention facilities for Members of Congress.TITLE VII—NondiscriminationSec. 701. Fair and equal treatment.Sec. 702. Responsibilities of care providers.TITLE VIII—Information sharing and data protectionSec. 801. Separation of records.Sec. 802. Prohibition on use for denial of relief or in removal proceedings.Sec. 803. Disclosure.Sec. 804. Prohibition on information sharing.Sec. 805. Counseling records.Sec. 806. Data protection for sponsors.TITLE IX—Miscellaneous provisionSec. 901. Rule of construction.2.In this Act:(1)Best interests of the childWith respect to an accompanied noncitizen child or unaccompanied noncitizen child, the term best interests of the child means a consideration, informed to the extent practicable by the child and the parents or guardian and extended family of the child, that takes into account—(A)the safety and well-being of the child;(B)the expressed interests of the child, taking into account the child's age and stage of development;(C)the physical and mental health of the child;(D)the right of the child to—(i)family integrity; (ii)liberty; and(iii)development; and(E)the identity of the child, including religious, ethnic, linguistic, gender, sexual orientation, and cultural identity.(2)The term childcare facility means a facility operated by the Department of Health and Human Services, or a contractor or grantee of the Department of Health and Human Services, that—(A)is a State-licensed program; and(B)provides residential care for unaccompanied noncitizen children.(3)The term Director means the Director of the Office of Refugee Resettlement.(4)Flores settlement agreementThe term Flores settlement agreement means the stipulated settlement agreement in Reno v. Flores, as filed in the United States District Court for the Central District of California on January 17, 1997 (CV–85–4544–RJK), including all subsequent court decisions, orders, agreements, and stipulations. (5)The term immigration custody means the physical custody of the Secretary of Health and Human Services or the Secretary of Homeland Security (or the head of any successor agency of the Department of Health and Human Services or the Department of Homeland Security). (6)The term influx means a period—(A)beginning on the date on which, for not less than 7 consecutive days, the net available bed capacity of State-licensed programs that is occupied or held for placement by unaccompanied noncitizen children is 85 percent or more; and(B)ending on the date on which, for not less than 7 consecutive days, such bed capacity occupied or held for placement by unaccompanied noncitizen children is less than 85 percent.(7)The term influx facility means any facility established to provide temporary emergency shelter and services for unaccompanied noncitizen children during an influx or emergency. (8)The term noncitizen means an individual who is not a citizen or national of the United States.(9)The term noncitizen child means a noncitizen under the age of 18 years.(10)With respect to an unaccompanied noncitizen child apprehended with a nonparent family member, the term nonparent family member means an individual who is—(A)18 years of age or older; and(B)a relative of such child, including a grandparent, aunt, uncle, first cousin, sibling, and fictive kin. (11)The term Ombudsperson means the Ombudsperson of the Office of the Ombudsperson for Unaccompanied Noncitizen Children established under section 601.(12)The term out-of-network facility means any public or private facility, including a mental health facility, or any other location that—(A)is used to provide residential care for unaccompanied noncitizen children; and (B)is not an Office of Refugee Resettlement facility. (13)The term prospective sponsor means an individual or entity who applies for custody of an unaccompanied noncitizen child.(14)The term Secretary means the Secretary of Health and Human Services.(15)The term secure facility means any public or private facility that is opened by a program, agency, or organization that is licensed by an appropriate State agency to provide residential care for children who have been adjudicated delinquent. (16)Special needs noncitizen childThe term special needs noncitizen child—(A)(i)means a noncitizen under the age of 18 years, the mental or physical condition of whom requires special services or medical equipment and special treatment by the staff of a childcare facility; and (ii)includes such an individual who—(I)has special needs due to drug or alcohol abuse, serious emotional disturbance, mental illness, developmental or cognitive delay, or a physical condition or chronic illness that requires special services or treatment; (II)is an individual with a disability (as defined in section 3 of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12102)); or(III)requires special services or treatment as a result of neglect or abuse; and(B)in the case of a child who is 12 years of age or older, means such a child who consents to such designation, services, and treatment.(17)The term sponsor means an individual or entity who has been approved by the Director to assume care of an unaccompanied noncitizen child on release from the custody of the Secretary.(18)The term staff-secure facility—(A)means any public or private facility that is licensed by an appropriate State agency to provide residential care for children who have been determined to require close or intensive care in accordance with section 226(c)(3); and(B)does not include a facility that provides residential care to children who have been adjudicated delinquent. (19)The term State-licensed program means any public or private program, agency, or organization licensed by an appropriate State agency to provide residential, group, or foster care services for unaccompanied noncitizen children (including a program operating group homes, foster homes, or facilities for special needs noncitizen children) that complies with applicable—(A)State child welfare laws, regulations, and policies; (B)State and local building, fire, health, and safety laws and regulations; (C)Federal, State, and local human rights and privacy laws, as applicable; and (D)State staffing and training requirements.(20)The term tender age minor means an individual who is 12 years of age or younger or has the developmental age of such an individual. (21)Unaccompanied noncitizen childThe term unaccompanied noncitizen child has the meaning given the term unaccompanied alien child
in section 462(g) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 279(g)).<enum>I</enum><header>Procedures and temporary placements following apprehension</header><section id="id05c664095e5f44d58bf3fe94f92f6fee"><enum>101.</enum><header>Prohibition on family separation</header><subsection id="ida98d0d0a18484def886f9dd1d2576857"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In general</header><text>A noncitizen child shall remain physically together with their parent, legal guardian, or nonparent family member at all times while in the custody of the Secretary of Homeland Security or the Secretary of Health and Human Services, unless—</text><paragraph id="idddbf3c38be374dde89ad9d84934d02f0"><enum>(1)</enum><text>the noncitizen child requests privacy temporarily;</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id9672cd19c755437a8bf0663f25953980"><enum>(2)</enum><text>during the screening process, a determination is made based on clear and convincing evidence that the parent or legal guardian of the noncitizen child, or the nonparent family member of the child who has been determined by a child welfare expert to be suitable to provide care and physical custody of the child in the United States, presents an imminent threat to United States national security or is inadmissible under subparagraphs (C)(i), (E), (G), or (I) of section 212(a)(2) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/8/1182">8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(2)</external-xref>); or</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id157159f128494299bcf23e4ff5034a61"><enum>(3)</enum><text>the child welfare expert documents, based on clear and convincing evidence, that the continued care of the noncitizen child by the parent, legal guardian, or nonparent family member is likely to result in serious emotional or physical damage to the child.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id574a779a69354578a9270b06061320ca"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Role of DHS</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">An employee or contractor of the Department of Homeland Security may not play any role in the documentation or determination described in subsection (a).</text></subsection><subsection id="id757822e7b76f4c0b80a014972f54efc1"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Termination of separation</header><text>In the case of a separation under paragraph (2) or (3) of subsection (a), as soon as practicable after the potential damage to the child is sufficiently mitigated or remedied—</text><paragraph id="idf459189c26fc42dabca23240ece19b68"><enum>(1)</enum><text>in the case of a child in the custody of the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall reunify the child with the individual from whom they were separated; and</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id13d536786afa4cf0ab6ed1e587bab04a"><enum>(2)</enum><text>in the case of a child in the custody of the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall release the individual in accordance with subsection (a)(5) of section 235 of the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/8/1232">8 U.S.C. 1232</external-xref>), as amended by section 102.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="idaa0f7b17bf6b4235ad84517f08a25f94"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Challenge to separation</header><text>In the case of a separation under paragraph (2) or (3) of subsection (a), the Secretary of Homeland Security shall—</text><paragraph id="id4cb6d696b1814a23ac32d7f50fa8b09e"><enum>(1)</enum><text>notify the parents, legal guardians, and children concerned of their—</text><subparagraph id="id0200EC7A151648F196D6B4B24CF971D7"><enum>(A)</enum><text>right to challenge such separation under titles VI and VII; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id3F50BC831A35416885E8E07AE346A262"><enum>(B)</enum><text>private right of action to seek review before a district court of the United States; and</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="id3854cb58e3404aa1bb918adb916105d5"><enum>(2)</enum><text>provide a copy of any determination, evidence, arrest warrants, or other documentation supporting such separation to such individuals and their attorneys.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="ide4d15ab0cc134ce5a38e933b56d50430"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Treatment of unaccompanied children traveling with certain caregivers</header><text>Unaccompanied children traveling with a nonparent family member shall be treated by the Secretary of Health and Human Services in accordance with paragraph (3)(C) of section 235(b) of the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/8/1232">8 U.S.C. 1232(b)</external-xref>), as amended by section 102.</text></subsection><subsection id="id5a9556209fde4ca4bd06d032432209cd"><enum>(f)</enum><header>Staffing</header><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id54121ad10241422598f65ad26a789aaf"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Child welfare experts</header><text>The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall hire child welfare experts to carry out the screening process described in subsection (a).</text></paragraph><paragraph id="idced8450c99934a72aa7fdf0791e1fb81"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Qualifications</header><text>Each child welfare expert hired under this subsection shall—</text><subparagraph id="id763e2fdef8764d998b6746259b57e676"><enum>(A)</enum><text>be professionally trained and licensed in social work;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id3e06689726194f849c513d3c5d75bfcb"><enum>(B)</enum><text>have direct experience providing trauma-informed care to children who have experienced trauma; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id82481dedd8384014b275cfa9f09de676"><enum>(C)</enum><text>be proficient in Spanish or 1 of the top 5 most common languages spoken by noncitizen children in the past 5 years. </text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection></section><section section-type="subsequent-section" id="idBB9FCE2DF4F34FB78FA36242A1A571FD"><enum>102.</enum><header>Protections for noncitizen children</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Section 235 of the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/8/1232">8 U.S.C. 1232</external-xref>) is amended—</text><paragraph commented="no" id="id21DF84A745744FA6ABD0392B135548F7"><enum>(1)</enum><text>by striking <quote>unaccompanied alien child</quote> each place it appears and inserting <quote>unaccompanied noncitizen child</quote>;</text></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" id="id17CE9B6C9CE048BCBD567D7F0E38073D"><enum>(2)</enum><text>by striking <quote>unaccompanied alien child's</quote> each place it appears and inserting <quote>unaccompanied noncitizen child's</quote>;</text></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" id="id20A25FCE08DF406EA611FCC9E222F5F4"><enum>(3)</enum><text>by striking <quote>unaccompanied alien children</quote> each place it appears and inserting <quote>unaccompanied noncitizen children</quote>;</text></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" id="id30F7B1D0886040AB94131A139F3BD6F8"><enum>(4)</enum><text>by striking <quote>unaccompanied alien children's</quote> each place it appears and inserting <quote>unaccompanied noncitizen children's</quote>;</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id23A363ADF30E4711BAF57C649C11E7F5"><enum>(5)</enum><text>in subsection (a)—</text><subparagraph id="id7E434A7283E64D229927E3CB9DC215CC"><enum>(A)</enum><text>by striking paragraphs (2) and (4);</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id3B66FBFBABD34E77B7F125D6228AF9BB"><enum>(B)</enum><text>by redesignating paragraphs (3) and (5) as paragraphs (2) and (3), respectively;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id1f64c3ae110b475198eac8efeb0bd18b"><enum>(C)</enum><text>in paragraph (2), as redesignated, in the paragraph heading, by striking <quote><header-in-text level="paragraph" style="OLC">other</header-in-text></quote> and inserting <quote><header-in-text level="paragraph" style="OLC">unaccompanied noncitizen</header-in-text></quote>; </text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idA9A426D8124F4F90B48A98636AB98E32"><enum>(D)</enum><text>in paragraph (3), as redesignated—</text><clause id="id8612870DDD854AC08404AD7AD2429FBD"><enum>(i)</enum><text>in subparagraph (C), in the subparagraph heading, by striking <quote><header-in-text level="subparagraph" style="OLC">unaccompanied alien children</header-in-text></quote> and inserting <quote><header-in-text level="subparagraph" style="OLC">unaccompanied noncitizen children</header-in-text></quote>; and</text></clause><clause id="id4E715B17518342938813E448E507833A"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>in subparagraph (D), in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking <quote>, except for an unaccompanied alien child from a contiguous country subject to exceptions under subsection (a)(2),</quote>; and</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" id="id0537AC153A4D4F7882329013B84DDAF9"><enum>(E)</enum><text>by inserting after paragraph (3), as redesignated, the following:</text><quoted-block style="OLC" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idba3dba5e552e43ab8f09a109f4d6b511"><paragraph id="id89a5fe037b774f4cb56bca1663b96cf4"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Child caregiver professionals at the border</header><subparagraph id="idabfb56239913422e9bea1460a91e9151"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Secretary of Homeland Security shall ensure that a licensed child caregiver professional is physically present to provide onsite expertise at each—</text><clause id="id44980273a10b4fb89ffe2e770fae53fd"><enum>(i)</enum><text>land port of entry at which noncitizen children are most likely to enter;</text></clause><clause id="id5bfd5e78a12b45d28e604f2ffd7b617e"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>Border Patrol station on the southern border; and</text></clause><clause id="id6c84a49fe8c248a5bd006330975e1285"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>U.S. Customs and Border Protection processing facility and reception center, regardless of whether such facility or center is temporary in nature.</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id9bd4527e33e94a4eb81f145d3f117589"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Qualifications</header><clause id="id2e09a1282a8049a7a6bd9d572bd0701b"><enum>(i)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Such a child caregiver professional—</text><subclause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idc5a8ebefb43a4aa59a0de65d27ac63cc"><enum>(I)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">shall—</text><item commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id340123c5ef644b649bacd247f61dc598"><enum>(aa)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">be professionally trained and licensed to provide services to children;</text></item><item id="idc3cf0b351c0540a7aef20921b1fb14d3"><enum>(bb)</enum><text>have direct experience providing trauma-informed care to children who have experienced trauma; and</text></item><item id="idaf6825f7e98f4ea8b00d3a14b4b78d19"><enum>(cc)</enum><text>subject to clause (ii), be proficient in Spanish or 1 of the top 5 most common languages spoken by noncitizen children in the past 5 years; and </text></item></subclause><subclause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id61f87321fb5b46ae91e93c238126b973"><enum>(II)</enum><text>may be a licensed childcare worker, licensed pediatric health professional, or licensed child welfare professional.</text></subclause></clause><clause id="id7F90CB71FDF84157B9A72BAD2910B5CE"><enum>(ii)</enum><header>Phase-in of language proficiency</header><text>During the 3-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of the <short-title>Children’s Safe Welcome Act of 2024</short-title>, 25 percent of the child caregiver professionals hired by the Secretary of Homeland Security to carry out the duties under this section shall be exempt from clause (i)(III).</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idc5b826ececc543fcabfa6870784dfe0b"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Oversight of care</header><text>Such a child caregiver professional shall oversee the care of noncitizen children in U.S. Customs and Border Protection facilities, consistent with the standards established under sections 104 and 105 of the <short-title>Children’s Safe Welcome Act of 2024</short-title>, including by—</text><clause id="ida69cd11bcaf34950969c91f21521f470"><enum>(i)</enum><text>issuing and ensuring access to adequate food, hydration, hygiene necessities, clothing, and other supplies as needed;</text></clause><clause id="ida25d9e557fa844e8a56852f198b3176b"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>supporting general care to infants and children, including monitoring, changing diapers, assisting with toilet use and handwashing, feeding any child who is not able to feed himself or herself, and identifying and tending to other similar basic needs of children as such needs arise;</text></clause><clause id="id047c52eb7f534683ace6a7c2e089b315"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>providing supervision and support to children during recreational and exercise activities;</text></clause><clause id="id481ccb6ce95f4e59918416186305b467"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>maintaining a safe working environment and observing and encouraging adherence to safety rules and health guidelines; and</text></clause><clause id="id8353aaf756324445a0ea9811086d66d8"><enum>(v)</enum><text>referring any suspected or reported medical or mental health issues to onsite Border Patrol or U.S. Customs and Border Protection personnel and medical personnel.</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idf39d5fc83a7345d887731e236762eed8"><enum>(D)</enum><header>Availability</header><text>Caregiver services provided under this paragraph shall be—</text><clause id="idcdeaced0d4ad4d459ebf2b9180f28b18"><enum>(i)</enum><text>available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, including on weekends and Federal holidays; and</text></clause><clause id="id110ff66748ec4b8da1aec9321e91c431"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>provided by a mixed-gender staff, including not fewer than 1 male and 1 female staff member at all times. </text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idDC929C31E91E4C819A5A04DF0CBF8ABB"><enum>(5)</enum><header>Release of children apprehended with parents, adoptive parents, or legal guardians</header><text>In the case of a child apprehended with a parent, adoptive parent, or legal guardian, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall—</text><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id000E975F9D704481A5D1E0703795C840"><enum>(A)</enum><text>subject to paragraph (2) or (3) of section 101(a) of the <short-title>Children’s Safe Welcome Act of 2024</short-title>, release the child together with the parent, adoptive parent, or legal guardian, as applicable; and </text></subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idBAAB55789BF24C25B251F2EEDDADC942"><enum>(B)</enum><text>ensure that the child is provided with support from a qualified nongovernmental community-based organization with experience providing services to immigrant, refugee, and asylum-seeking populations.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idA9BB2C5E46124940857819978D49A86C"><enum>(6)</enum><header>Release of children apprehended with nonparent family members</header><text>In the case of a child apprehended with a nonparent family member determined under subsection (b)(3)(C)(iii) to be an appropriate sponsor for the child, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall—</text><subparagraph id="id817498887f554c2aacfc8e9c6cd5f175"><enum>(A)</enum><text>subject to paragraph (2) or (3) of section 101(a) of the <short-title>Children’s Safe Welcome Act of 2024</short-title>, release the child together with the nonparent family member; and </text></subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id7A2DCD380A474BEC9A80A7ABE24BAAB0"><enum>(B)</enum><text>ensure that the child is provided with support from a qualified nongovernmental community-based organization with experience providing services to immigrant, refugee, and asylum-seeking populations.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="idCC11665F29CA48CBA774C8E0E2DCA6FE"><enum>(7)</enum><header>Prohibition on operation of family detention facilities</header><text>The Federal Government may not operate, under any circumstance, a family detention facility.</text></paragraph><after-quoted-block>; </after-quoted-block></quoted-block></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="id8D02FA0B9C2B4748ABF1DA617448945D"><enum>(6)</enum><text>in subsection (b)—</text><subparagraph id="idB30EAE77E81D44C4B35CF8FE2AFBC698"><enum>(A)</enum><text>in paragraph (1), in the paragraph heading, by striking <quote><header-in-text level="paragraph" style="OLC">unaccompanied alien children</header-in-text></quote> and inserting <quote><header-in-text level="paragraph" style="OLC">unaccompanied noncitizen children</header-in-text></quote>; </text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id369CA1BCEFBB4B1F8520D290D9B89F27"><enum>(B)</enum><text>in paragraph (3)—</text><clause id="idCA3818E5F45349ABBEE30DE30306BC1F"><enum>(i)</enum><text>in the paragraph heading, by striking <quote><header-in-text level="paragraph" style="OLC">unaccompanied alien children</header-in-text></quote> and inserting <quote><header-in-text level="paragraph" style="OLC">unaccompanied noncitizen children</header-in-text></quote>; </text></clause><clause id="id02A14C3153954EE9A52A6F1A42D4357B"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>by striking <quote>Except in the case of exceptional circumstances,</quote> and inserting the following:</text><quoted-block style="OLC" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idEDA09482BC33431FAC3DE72F9B05BD81"><subparagraph id="id2F68199B89A3470BB533B54AC6A53DF7"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Except in the case of exceptional circumstances, subject to subparagraph (B),</text></subparagraph><after-quoted-block>; and </after-quoted-block></quoted-block></clause><clause id="idD2A3A0C03C22415B9753F82C1EB9DAFB"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>by adding at the end the following:</text><quoted-block style="OLC" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idFC14233D33B44476BB0EA09399B2F1CA"><subparagraph id="id2A01086864DB4C539F8A9115DB32AE95"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Limitation on U.S. Customs and Border Protection custody</header><text>Under no circumstance may the Commissioner hold an unaccompanied or accompanied noncitizen child in custody for more than 72 hours.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id9193fa64d21e487d9482ad389d7234f6"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Reception centers</header><clause id="id82cf997f99784730979aa256200389c9"><enum>(i)</enum><header>Designation</header><text>The Commissioner shall designate 1 or more reception centers located within 100 miles of each port of entry and each Border Patrol Station on the southern border for the purpose of conducting expedited evaluations described in clause (iii).</text></clause><clause id="ide930738647904603b1dbade82e4429ac"><enum>(ii)</enum><header>Transfer</header><text>In the case of an unaccompanied noncitizen child apprehended with a nonparent family member, the Commissioner shall immediately transfer the child and his or her 1 or more nonparent family members, as applicable, to a reception center designated under clause (i) for the purpose of an evaluation under clause (iii).</text></clause><clause id="id7aa45d137c2d42a09e8a5188da4d56af"><enum>(iii)</enum><header>Expedited evaluations</header><subclause id="id6eb8694239be4b70b76ff42c585aaca4"><enum>(I)</enum><header>In general</header><text>On the arrival of an unaccompanied noncitizen child apprehended with a nonparent family member at a designated reception center, a case manager or case coordinator of the Department of Health and Human Services shall evaluate the child to determine whether he or she may be released safely from U.S. Customs and Border Protection custody to the nonparent family member with whom the child was apprehended.</text></subclause><subclause id="id7a6592505c2d4eff89b60de9a59a9fee"><enum>(II)</enum><header>Private space</header><text>The Commissioner shall make available in each designated reception center a private space in which such a case manager or case coordinator may carry out such evaluations.</text></subclause></clause><clause id="idfb85595224544824ba8f31c95c42b1c6"><enum>(iv)</enum><header>Staffing</header><subclause id="ideee4ed106a4540c7b192635a7d9b5e5c"><enum>(I)</enum><header>Case managers and case coordinators</header><item id="id0af2c6131d344dc899d0e055d5d175e4"><enum>(aa)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Case managers and case coordinators of the Department of Health and Human Services shall be detailed to designated reception centers for brief periods to ensure the independence of Department of Health and Human Services staff from the duties and functions of U.S. Customs and Border Protection.</text></item><item id="id86dc7bf7386b463d95b14b901c0d661b"><enum>(bb)</enum><header>Duties</header><text>A case manager or case coordinator detailed to a designated reception center shall assist the Federal field specialist at the reception center in verifying family relationships and screening each unaccompanied noncitizen child apprehended with a nonparent family member for safety concerns using existing or newly developed Department of Health and Human Services tools and skills, including document review, observation, and interviews of the child and family members.</text></item></subclause><subclause id="ide7600f62aa9d425f8c171fa299d688c9"><enum>(II)</enum><header>Federal field specialists</header><item id="idbcc8bb8aa9c84fd1a7ccb99783ed212a"><enum>(aa)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Federal field specialists of the Department of Health and Human Services shall prioritize for review the release decisions for any child arriving at the border of the United States with a relative who is not a parent of the child, whom the Director of the Office of Refugee Resettlement would consider as a potential sponsor for the child.</text></item><item id="idd7b87dbaa23e422889ca5526d7e5a659"><enum>(bb)</enum><header>Duties</header><text>Such a Federal field specialist shall work with case managers and case coordinators to review the recommendation of case managers or case coordinators with respect to the qualification of such relatives as sponsors for such children.</text></item></subclause><subclause id="id5c3588390dff4f72b6931eb18f5948c5"><enum>(III)</enum><header>Legal services providers</header><text>The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall enter into 1 or more contracts with nongovernmental legal services providers to provide legal orientation presentations to accompanied noncitizen children and unaccompanied noncitizen children apprehended with nonparent family members and their parents or legal guardians or nonparent family members, as applicable, under consideration for expedited release under this subparagraph.</text></subclause></clause><clause id="id6f5b9e51e5a4488b8b6909a303141265"><enum>(v)</enum><header>Release decision</header><text>The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall make a determination with respect to expedited release under this subparagraph not later than 72 hours after the child has been determined to be an unaccompanied noncitizen child.</text></clause><clause id="id90748fc8e1a842e6a6a67e024f536f14"><enum>(vi)</enum><header>Release of nonparent family member</header><subclause id="id76bafc00bbf54988ba86bca69771ae73"><enum>(I)</enum><header>In general</header><text>If the Secretary of Health and Human Services determines that the nonparent family member of an unaccompanied noncitizen child apprehended with a nonparent family member is a safe sponsor, and the applicable Federal field specialist and case manager or case coordinator have verified the family relationship, the Commissioner shall approve the release of the nonparent family member for the purpose of reunification with the child.</text></subclause><subclause commented="no" id="idd5c98d2f161b4564bf96c29db227a5bc"><enum>(II)</enum><header>Retention of unaccompanied noncitizen child determination</header><text>An unaccompanied noncitizen child released to a nonparent family member who is released under subclause (I) shall retain his or her determination as an unaccompanied noncitizen child.</text></subclause><subclause commented="no" id="idb371a61c41aa4fcd82eb317fd7e43f3e"><enum>(III)</enum><header>Post-release counsel and services</header><text>The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall provide to each child released to a nonparent family member who is released under subclause (I) post-release counsel and services, such as legal counsel, in the location in which the child's removal proceedings are scheduled.</text></subclause></clause><clause id="id39eca670ca2f40a08f7e2043bb70e59f"><enum>(vii)</enum><header>Transfer to office of refugee resettlement custody</header><subclause id="id9ee8dbd4d20141b3801b0ea52afccd76"><enum>(I)</enum><header>In general</header><text>If the Secretary of Health and Human Services cannot make a determination with respect to whether a nonparent family member is an imminent substantial and credible threat to a child within 72 hours after the Commissioner has made the unaccompanied noncitizen child determination, or if an unaccompanied noncitizen child apprehended with a nonparent family member is denied expedited release under this subparagraph—</text><item id="id1DAD5EDC45464F5A831FC50707E37A04"><enum>(aa)</enum><text>such child shall be placed in the least restrictive setting; </text></item><item id="idef2c3cd86d364c9da2f95c08a7faea33"><enum>(bb)</enum><text>notice shall be provided to the nonparent family member and the parents or legal guardians of the child, to the extent such individuals may be ascertained and contacted, with respect to—</text><subitem id="id956CA2DD52CC43E4A39AD62D0280056C"><enum>(AA)</enum><text>the reason for the inability to timely make such determination or for the denial; and</text></subitem><subitem id="id40807EF0557C4BA29F97707D19F25FC3"><enum>(BB)</enum><text>the location of the child's transfer and any subsequent transfer; and</text></subitem></item><item id="id8E7F90DB347145728ECB186DE06F9001"><enum>(cc)</enum><text>the family relationship shall be documented.</text></item></subclause><subclause id="id56ee440d02f14933b3fd4d43f64b309f"><enum>(II)</enum><header>Appointment of child advocate</header><text>In the case of a child denied expedited release under this subparagraph, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall appoint a child advocate for the child. </text></subclause></clause><clause id="idB77D1B96B5484775B410B819EAB0ADCE"><enum>(viii)</enum><header>Prohibition</header><text>The adjudication of asylum applications shall not be carried out in a reception center designated under this subparagraph.</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id5AF0559128D445609E6D875E3133E0FA"><enum>(D)</enum><header>Transportation</header><clause id="id218B90E6995F43C28FBD8B20FD6968E1"><enum>(i)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Except as provided in clause (ii), the Commissioner may not transport any unaccompanied noncitizen child in a vehicle with a detained adult who is not related to the child.</text></clause><clause id="id2912AEFB4E714D40A9466FC5CE2855AE"><enum>(ii)</enum><header>Exception</header><subclause id="id7DC3F3EC7B704E21B12847FD259992FA"><enum>(I)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Commissioner may transport an unaccompanied noncitizen child in a vehicle with such an adult only from the place of arrest or apprehension to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility.</text></subclause><subclause id="id8141CC8703BE43A38FCAD700830F4BEE"><enum>(II)</enum><header>Precautions</header><text>In transporting an unaccompanied noncitizen child under subclause (I), the Commissioner shall take necessary precautions for the protection and well-being of the unaccompanied noncitizen child.</text></subclause></clause></subparagraph><after-quoted-block>; and</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id55F3AFFAEB3545759D610CAA1C878EF0"><enum>(C)</enum><text>by adding at the end the following:</text><quoted-block style="OLC" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id91C4AFBBA08F4983842D8BAD53DA903B"><paragraph id="id9DFE44AACE6E475E97CDEF23AE4BE052"><enum>(5)</enum><header>Substantive and procedural protections</header><subparagraph id="id83FB625238384ABEBB0604AA86B6F420"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>On a determination that a child is an unaccompanied noncitizen child, the unaccompanied noncitizen child shall be afforded, for the duration of the unaccompanied noncitizen child's removal proceedings, all substantive and procedural protections provided under this section and any other applicable Federal law.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id7059990D947E49768C1E30909F5C81E1"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Unaccompanied noncitizen child determination</header><text>No Federal agency, officer, or personnel may—</text><clause id="id50b557e6b8844565acd4531298fb4e84"><enum>(i)</enum><text>reevaluate or revoke a determination that a child is an unaccompanied noncitizen child, unless an age assessment conducted by the Secretary of Health and Human Services consistent with section 105(h) of the <short-title>Children’s Safe Welcome Act of 2024</short-title> indicates that the individual is 18 years of age or older; or </text></clause><clause id="id6F7526DF7D524BBB82EFCE771D099926"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>deny or impede access to any protection provided for unaccompanied noncitizen children under Federal law, including on the basis of—</text><subclause id="id2757765F0FAD4F86BD1A8789095B0BEC"><enum>(I)</enum><text>the reunification of an unaccompanied noncitizen child with a parent or legal guardian; </text></subclause><subclause id="idba7019e2f88d4b9d8b6318e534cd9f46"><enum>(II)</enum><text>the release of an unaccompanied noncitizen child to a nonparent family member in accordance with subsection (b)(3)(C)(vi); or</text></subclause><subclause id="id0b80e93e50fa42a7a2753265c6bbe788"><enum>(III)</enum><text>an unaccompanied noncitizen child having attained 18 years of age.</text></subclause></clause></subparagraph></paragraph><after-quoted-block>;</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="idECEA4662383E47599B10C38D8FBFA465"><enum>(7)</enum><text>in subsection (d)(8), in the paragraph heading, by striking <quote><header-in-text level="paragraph" style="OLC">unaccompanied alien children</header-in-text></quote> and inserting <quote><header-in-text level="paragraph" style="OLC">unaccompanied noncitizen children</header-in-text></quote>;</text></paragraph><paragraph id="idD0413299A91345FFAB67E8199D9019F7"><enum>(8)</enum><text>by striking subsection (g);</text></paragraph><paragraph id="idC4CC84FDAD0F487B850119075F4B03D1"><enum>(9)</enum><text>by redesignating subsections (h) and (i) as subsections (g) and (h), respectively; and</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id8B25376C4AC449A390629B8E2A3D1684"><enum>(10)</enum><text>by adding at the end the following:</text><quoted-block style="OLC" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id7ACFF32F40824EA991D89F78849412F4"><subsection id="idEF16B71B051E49BE86AFA518BCA2C1D8"><enum>(i)</enum><header>Access to legal services</header><text>Each child in immigration custody, including accompanied noncitizen children, shall—</text><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id489cb279f26f4fd3b95c6bfced568b13"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">receive a legal orientation presentation; and</text></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id0f602a555d30444e95b48c1bc52cb9a5"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">have access to legal counsel and child advocates. </text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id77923d0fdbae4194944a89be974cabdb"><enum>(j)</enum><header>Treatment of adult family members apprehended with children</header><paragraph id="idD02F08042F5D4831A1CFDAFC85B11E05"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>A parent or legal guardian or a nonparent family member who is apprehended with a child shall be placed in removal proceedings under section 240 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/8/1229a">8 U.S.C. 1229a</external-xref>). </text></paragraph><paragraph id="id76DADD102D7E49339D9F7780497512B8"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Requirement</header><text>Such a parent or legal guardian or nonparent family member and the child concerned shall be provided an opportunity—</text><subparagraph id="id4676E3A0AACC4D15849EE989EEDCF9DA"><enum>(A)</enum><text>to consult, independently and jointly, legal counsel; and </text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idE832717FC2414A4AB08885E09818BCB7"><enum>(B)</enum><text>to request such measures as may be necessary to ensure—</text><clause id="idE1468811C8CA44CAAAA12044C10B596F"><enum>(i)</enum><text>full and fair consideration of their cases for relief from removal; and</text></clause><clause id="id789087AD801C425BA3A8FEE7C60D8A38"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>the best interests of the child.</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idA7FF9629C3D747549353CE53F891D753"><enum>(k)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Removal proceedings for accompanied noncitizen children</header><text>With respect to an accompanied noncitizen child, the child and their parent or legal guardian may only be placed in removal proceedings under section 240 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/8/1229a">8 U.S.C. 1229a</external-xref>).</text></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id8C95FFB153414072A51DD612DEB0F958"><enum>(l)</enum><header>Definitions</header><text>In this section:</text><paragraph commented="no" id="id57F4AE76884D4AA3956739B860F4029E"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Accompanied noncitizen child</header><text>The term <term>accompanied noncitizen child</term> means a noncitizen under 18 years of age who—</text><subparagraph commented="no" id="id7DA85515DEAF4977A8B98CC1CB8723B2"><enum>(A)</enum><text>has no lawful immigration status in the United States; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id74613F9FC1F44CDB9DA55A06156E4185"><enum>(B)</enum><text>is apprehended while traveling with a parent, adoptive parent, or legal guardian. </text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" id="idFAC5AFC8C8D34200A04496BB1D06E3F2"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Commissioner</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The term <term>Commissioner</term> means the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. </text></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id549DFF69AA58484B81910FCD0C505910"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Danger of abuse or neglect at the hands of the parent, legal guardian, or nonparent family member</header><text>The term <term>danger of abuse or neglect at the hands of the parent, legal guardian, or nonparent family member</term> shall not mean migrating to or crossing the United States border.</text></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" id="id7FF157AC1D2F4E91945A840662A0ABCE"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Nonparent family member</header><text>With respect to an unaccompanied noncitizen child apprehended with a nonparent family member, the term <term>nonparent family member</term> means an individual who is—</text><subparagraph id="id1FF8D8167D5849A9A705A8DD41F2A44E"><enum>(A)</enum><text>18 years of age or older; and </text></subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idB64AC63AD24D4C6590569E2FD009506B"><enum>(B)</enum><text>a relative of such child, including a grandparent, aunt, uncle, first cousin, sibling, and fictive kin. </text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id2A95F7E66A2E4500A3663D12BBDAB84A"><enum>(5)</enum><header>Unaccompanied noncitizen child</header><text>The term <term>unaccompanied noncitizen child</term> has the meaning given the term <quote>unaccompanied alien child</quote> in section 462(g) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/6/279">6 U.S.C. 279(g)</external-xref>).</text></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id2BE42A78333D4CA685C5B97C5F4F2589"><enum>(6)</enum><header>Unaccompanied noncitizen child apprehended with a nonparent family member</header><text>The term <term>unaccompanied noncitizen child apprehended with a nonparent family member</term> means an unaccompanied noncitizen child who is apprehended while traveling with a nonparent family member.</text></paragraph></subsection><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></paragraph></section><section id="id59BA10A556C948DCA3B57F33445EDE10"><enum>103.</enum><header>Nonadversarial asylum processing for noncitizen children</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Section 208(b)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/8/1158">8 U.S.C. 1158(b)(3)(C)</external-xref>) is amended to read as follows:</text><quoted-block style="OLC" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idD2BF14D4CBC043A4BE034953E2B446A2"><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id1B6D774F97F14CAE8CCF7D8D9EDC48EE"><enum>(C)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Nonadversarial asylum processing for children</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services shall have jurisdiction over the asylum application of an individual who—</text><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idD9DC52E6BAFC4220B54E66B35C0DD9DD"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">has been classified as an unaccompanied noncitizen child (as defined in section 235 of the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/8/1232">8 U.S.C. 1232</external-xref>)), regardless of the age or marital status of the individual on the date on which he or she files an asylum application; </text></clause><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id58E2CF2BB1904585A5C7DDE4312894AE"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>was a child apprehended with a parent, adoptive parent, or legal guardian, regardless of the age or marital status of the individual on the date on which he or she files an asylum application; or </text></clause><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idC320168391AF4154ACECD875DBC4863F"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>is the parent or legal guardian of an individual described in clause (ii).</text></clause></subparagraph><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></section><section section-type="subsequent-section" id="idBD587297FD474CD2B567C996514FC40C"><enum>104.</enum><header>Standards for U.S. Customs and Border Protection detention of noncitizen children</header><subsection id="idDD43B8293FEB4E928E6C9285F015E388"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Initial processing of noncitizen children and families with noncitizen children</header><paragraph id="id117dd7302bd14d5c89bca78e4455e7cf"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (referred to in this title as the <quote>Commissioner</quote>) may only detain a noncitizen child for the purpose of initial processing.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id3D92C3A15F944C40B18FC1E3EDA4EC01"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Time limitation</header><text>Under no circumstance may the Commissioner detain a family with a noncitizen child for more than 72 hours.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id826415E9C07140A0B86076DE22AB246C"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Prioritization of best interests of the child and family unity</header><text>In all decisions undertaken by the Commissioner with respect to the detention of a noncitizen child, the Commissioner shall prioritize—</text><paragraph id="id85CB09BCAA4A40DD8828610C17FD7FED"><enum>(1)</enum><text>the best interests of the noncitizen child; and</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id31F863DC0C83462CAC27E96334E2EB0D"><enum>(2)</enum><text>in the case of a noncitizen child apprehended with a parent, legal guardian, or nonparent family member, family unity.</text></paragraph></subsection></section><section id="idBE621DF04FDF4570B9CDEB0D9ED4DED5"><enum>105.</enum><header>Standards for U.S. Customs and Border Protection facilities housing noncitizen children</header><subsection id="id9726C419674E41BB9F70AD2F549293FB"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In general</header><text>A noncitizen child may not be housed in a U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility that is not in compliance with this Act or the amendments made by this Act. </text></subsection><subsection id="id6fe70587db3d42f3b9d7280432ac04b1"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Humanitarian access</header><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idf345b10443a942aabf1b676380666d41"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall jointly develop operating procedures to provide employees of the Department of Health and Human Services immediate access to any U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility so as to facilitate the humane treatment of individuals and families encountered at the border. </text></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id47f9aff995a140fe89e7a85cb2c61767"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Elements</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The procedures developed under paragraph (1) shall, at a minimum, provide that—</text><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id5429508dd52f4a38a2c721344cb5b41b"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">for each U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility in which an individual may be detained in U.S. Customs and Border Protection custody longer than 72 hours, the Department of Health and Human Services shall have access to a separate designated space in the facility so that Department of Health and Human Services employees may conduct medical and mental health screenings, ensure opportunities for general hygiene, provide adequate food and hydration, offer nursing and diapering supplies, and provide appropriate space for children; and </text></subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id3afd0c3488c940c39d6939b81598d423"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">employees of the Department of Health and Human Services at such a facility shall immediately begin efforts—</text><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id1d092b4c372f44178b8b48cc549c63d7"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">to reunify unaccompanied children with sponsors in the United States; and</text></clause><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id925b1a153fe945a1aa507b7a39aaeff3"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">verify family relationships to ensure that unaccompanied children who arrive with a nonparent family member may remain in the care of such nonparent family member.</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="idCCA855E4989542B4AD4A8288CC80A2B5"><enum>(c)</enum><header>National Standards on Transport, Escort, Detention, and Search</header><paragraph id="idB661074D27854FD392E3B17036431464"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Review</header><text>Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commissioner, in consultation with stakeholder organizations that serve immigrant and refugee children and families, shall conduct a review of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection standards entitled <quote>National Standards on Transport, Escort, Detention, and Search</quote> issued in October 2015, to identify necessary improvements with respect to the treatment and care of noncitizen children in U.S. Customs and Border Protection custody.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="idF1B187FD342641F2A6C46E2DB65CC12A"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Revision</header><text>Not later than 90 days after the date on which the review required by paragraph (1) is completed, the Commissioner shall revise such standards to incorporate the improvements identified by the review. </text></paragraph><paragraph id="id8D16E2AC0C3640628C90A589DCC2B51C"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Compliance</header><text>Not later than 180 days after the revision under paragraph (2), each U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility that houses 1 or more noncitizen children shall attain compliance with the revised standards.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id66CA34D7CAF1486CA3E0120BD99AC49B"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Facility requirements</header><paragraph id="id30C982048A2A45799BEE4BAF4FD374FB"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Commissioner shall ensure that each U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility that houses 1 or more noncitizen children is safe and sanitary and promotes an appropriate and healthy environment for children.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id767BCDB221024DB6AB5ADD386DCABFEC"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Children's area</header><subparagraph id="id774ffd1953264347aabeb621f611fe95"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Commissioner shall ensure that each U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility that houses 1 or more noncitizen children includes—</text><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idf984ee13662e4477bb957dc52266834b"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">a dedicated physical environment that is appropriate for children of all ages and stages of development (referred to in this paragraph as a <quote>children’s area</quote>); and</text></clause><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="ida599382948b3429d9ff7fa9733f9a9d3"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">an outdoor recreation area.</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idF61A9A22914C4F3486C9B6E19717B354"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Elements</header><text>Each children's area shall be colorful and include—</text><clause id="idD40FF57F60AD41A083CD393B075D83FC"><enum>(i)</enum><text>low, warm lights;</text></clause><clause id="idF17DEDE8740C4058BFE36B37DC87B46C"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>child-sized furniture and equipment, including developmentally appropriate books and toys that facilitate structured and unstructured play;</text></clause><clause id="id12D303DF258241B1881DD3D85D9AACAA"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>child-friendly images and displays; </text></clause><clause id="idF6F9ED5D3CC24F088B6D6AEA20F40CFA"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>a children’s bathroom; </text></clause><clause id="idA98F65217A2547168C9C3F833102B131"><enum>(v)</enum><text>a diaper-changing area and access to sanitation;</text></clause><clause id="idC7B5517E9DC24A24BAA98F6A1A850A7D"><enum>(vi)</enum><text>nursing chairs for breastfeeding mothers; and</text></clause><clause id="idF40AC18F2A094905A9B64E229B35984E"><enum>(vii)</enum><text>an area in which children may sit and rest comfortably.</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id13ECF7342EAC4F21A336A1E4124FDDBC"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Child caregiver professional staffing</header><text>Each children's area shall be staffed by 1 or more individuals who are professionally trained and licensed to provide services to children, including licensed childcare workers, licensed pediatric health professionals, and licensed child welfare professionals. </text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="idCE61B6D1901E4A01A6DB1D244F6E0CFA"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Medical screening and care</header><subparagraph id="idE7B10A61B192414791E44B05024029A0"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Commissioner shall ensure that—</text><clause id="id9C83036416144297AF2DBC397A2ACB8D"><enum>(i)</enum><text>except as provided in subparagraph (F)(i), not later than 6 hours after the arrival of a noncitizen child at a U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility, the child receives a medical screening conducted by a licensed physician, advanced practice provider, nurse, or physician's assistant in accordance with this paragraph;</text></clause><clause id="idE1A3033E92D24284AD27F6F620471D1B"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>a noncitizen child in the custody of the Commissioner shall have unrestricted access to appropriate medication for the management of an illness or injury of the child; </text></clause><clause id="id0d9445863a1248d0a52d9e90744d1eac"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>in the case of such a child with a medical assistive device or other health care support item, the noncitizen child, or the parent, legal guardian, or nonparent family member of the child, is permitted unrestricted access to the device or item;</text></clause><clause id="ida124e1e2451846d4b00d268615d2a92b"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>on release from such custody, a noncitizen child, or the parent, legal guardian, or nonparent family member of the child, is provided with documentation of the child’s medical screening and care, including the need for any followup while in such custody, in accordance with subparagraph (B)(viii); and</text></clause><clause id="idc79385bef5e143ddb2046d28cdf5d0c2"><enum>(v)</enum><text>medication in possession of a noncitizen child, or in the possession of the child’s parent, legal guardian, or nonparent family member, on arrival shall not be destroyed or discarded before the review and determination under subparagraph (B)(vi) occur. </text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id73F21DAF80C1427B85CF0D57A2E91C1B"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Duties of medical professional</header><text>With respect to a medical screening required by subparagraph (A) and the care of a noncitizen child at a U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility, a licensed physician, advanced practice provider, nurse, or physician's assistant attending the child at the facility shall—</text><clause id="idF9EEC806E5464FF9B813644954B12C32"><enum>(i)</enum><text>assess and identify any illness, condition, or physical ailment;</text></clause><clause id="id104cf1f56af5496a8b9090d88e8b7b76"><enum>(ii)</enum><subclause commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="ided104d4cbf6d46e487d81937757f54be"><enum>(I)</enum><text>identify any acute condition or elevated medical risk; and</text></subclause><subclause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" indent="up1" id="idf6eccb8a5a6048048ab70e56deceeaca"><enum>(II)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">in the case of a child for which such a condition or risk is identified, consult with a licensed pediatrician or pediatric subspecialist; </text></subclause></clause><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="ida1353e4a34c549a0b11e266e6cdd1a2a"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>ensure that appropriate health care is provided to the child as necessary, including pediatric and reproductive health care; </text></clause><clause id="id8fa6e8d71ef24beabf6db432cda50981"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>in the case of a child under 12 years of age, conduct a physical examination of the child in the presence of a parent, legal guardian, or family member;</text></clause><clause id="idb578eabf42ad458e9606bcfe63f4f2eb"><enum>(v)</enum><text>in the case of a child who is 12 years of age or older—</text><subclause id="idfdaf748af86a493e8ccae87a027aea48"><enum>(I)</enum><text>provide the child with the choice of—</text><item id="id255152d0ab014b049e940d2b49fbe3cc"><enum>(aa)</enum><text>a physical examination in the presence of a parent, legal guardian, or nonparent family member; or</text></item><item id="ideaf45c22a750462c8ef0040075e2531a"><enum>(bb)</enum><text>a private physical examination without the presence of a parent, legal guardian, or nonparent family member; and</text></item></subclause><subclause id="idafd45b9ce2824fa69a4a25cc7ea0f92f"><enum>(II)</enum><text>conduct such examination in accordance with the child’s preference;</text></subclause></clause><clause id="idd1ed25712fc640a798c2d5deb4b082a2"><enum>(vi)</enum><text>review any medication that is in the possession of the child on arrival to determine whether the medication shall be kept by the child or the child’s parent, legal guardian, or nonparent family member, as applicable;</text></clause><clause id="ided5f664ebdd34d1db9b230dcbc950667"><enum>(vii)</enum><text>in the case of a medication described in clause (vi) that may not be kept by the child or the child’s parent, legal guardian, or nonparent family member for medical storage purposes, such as a medication that requires refrigeration, ensure storage with appropriate access for the child’s use while in U.S. Customs and Border Protection custody;</text></clause><clause id="id33A48CAC7A2F4C34848C883D216B8D92"><enum>(viii)</enum><text>ensure that the medical screening and care under this paragraph, and any other medical evaluation of or intervention for the child conducted while the child is in the custody of the Commissioner, is documented in accordance with commonly accepted standards in the United States for medical records documentation; and</text></clause><clause id="idc8486ddb04e84c108f4efd7e4e8f97ab"><enum>(ix)</enum><text>ensure that a copy of all medical records and documentation of any medical screening and any other medical evaluation of, or intervention for, the child conducted while the child is in the custody of the Commissioner is—</text><subclause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idb74a3577e369491cb18386c77030ca6c"><enum>(I)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">provided to the child and the child’s parent, legal guardian, or nonparent family member before the child is released from such custody; or</text></subclause><subclause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="ida176faa51c9e40b99a9ccf8bd9fcd07b"><enum>(II)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">in the case of a child who is transferred to the custody of the Director, sent to the Office of Refugee Resettlement immediately upon such transfer. </text></subclause></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id907C2AF1A7A84634A64B37F4AA5B7BF9"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Procedures for medical screenings</header><text>The Commissioner shall establish procedures for medical screenings and examinations under this paragraph that are consistent with—</text><clause id="id169541CC3C654B16A4A831188E622DF7"><enum>(i)</enum><text>relevant guidelines set forth in the American Medical Association Code of Medical Ethics; and </text></clause><clause id="id074086B8A9EB49ACBEAB887FD22C7DAB"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id2554C5CFB6954C60AC4B3FB633175654"><enum>(D)</enum><header>Language services</header><text>The Commissioner shall ensure—</text><clause id="idE3A5E0497200484A856E913967A24C76"><enum>(i)</enum><text>the availability of in-person, language-appropriate interpretation services, including indigenous languages, for each noncitizen child in the custody of the Commissioner during any medical screening or examination; and</text></clause><clause id="idA7848B89DEAD4B2896BE0F06C925B39D"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>that noncitizen children in such custody are informed of the availability of such services.</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idAD68B73948F7484F836DD6371430591E"><enum>(E)</enum><header>Location of medical screenings</header><text>The Commissioner shall ensure that medical screenings, examinations, and any follow-up care under this paragraph are conducted in a location that—</text><clause id="idF8ABD0F04FA9478BBA507C4636486260"><enum>(i)</enum><text>is private and provides a comfortable and considerate atmosphere for children;</text></clause><clause id="id74F914F7C2EA40AC8AFE76A3EED51E42"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>ensures each noncitizen child's dignity and right to privacy; and</text></clause><clause id="idb67c56deca8a4724ac90a7d569bd2925"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>contains all necessary and appropriate medical equipment and supplies, including basic over-the-counter medications appropriate for all age groups.</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id5C0DCA1C069648AFBAC53B5648BB751E"><enum>(F)</enum><header>Acute medical conditions</header><clause id="id28D2AFEF01C640B3AA7F2A8AEE7304B5"><enum>(i)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Commissioner shall ensure that any noncitizen child exhibiting symptoms of an acute medical condition, or who is at risk for an acute medical condition, receives immediate care from a licensed physician, advanced practice provider, nurse, or physician's assistant.</text></clause><clause id="id54AEFC0619A5443EA457EB58AB118537"><enum>(ii)</enum><header>Transfer to local health care facility</header><subclause id="id90C3D48AD7D049A082F23AB9AEAB751E"><enum>(I)</enum><header>In general</header><text>If appropriate medical care cannot be provided for a noncitizen child described in clause (i) at a U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility, the Commissioner shall expeditiously transfer the child to a local medical facility. </text></subclause><subclause id="id69846ad809034a3f91a0ff92520873d5"><enum>(II)</enum><header>Accompaniment by family</header><text>In the case of a noncitizen child transferred under subclause (I), 1 or more parents, legal guardians, or nonparent family members, shall be permitted to accompany the child to such medical facility and stay with the child if so accompanying the child does not pose a serious safety risk to the child, as determined by a child welfare expert. </text></subclause></clause><clause id="id4CEEC807BEDD4AAFB5DE53B430677634"><enum>(iii)</enum><header>Ongoing availability of transportation</header><text>The Commissioner shall maintain—</text><subclause id="idD1728E7148154D3D86AD80F945FD21B3"><enum>(I)</enum><text>appropriate transportation at each U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility that houses 1 or more noncitizen children to ensure the availability of transport to outside medical facilities in the case of a medical emergency; or</text></subclause><subclause id="ide9297f8eddea409baf54d06085b8ea6e"><enum>(II)</enum><text>an on-call service to provide such transportation to such a facility within 30 minutes.</text></subclause></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="ide18ebfecc273453cab6ffcb109b8540a"><enum>(G)</enum><header>Rule of construction</header><text>Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to require a noncitizen child, parent, legal guardian, or nonparent family member to disclose the child’s medical history.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="idE848979923894C5FA06AEB8E567FA07D"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Services and supplies</header><text>The Commissioner shall ensure that each U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility that houses 1 or more noncitizen children is in compliance with the following standards at all times:</text><subparagraph id="id5334B141E1DB447B8790A1533797DD94"><enum>(A)</enum><header>Temperature</header><text>The temperature inside the facility shall be maintained between 70 and 73 degrees Fahrenheit.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id4EC40A46016B4AFCA606108DC97E980D"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Ventilation</header><text>The facility shall comply with the most recent guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention with respect to ventilation in buildings to mitigate the spread of COVID–19.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id060E114E0D3C41B5A6D89882918D8E81"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Food and Water</header><clause id="id9C65A0F5A59C43B4B3731AA93C3D3F9D"><enum>(i)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Food shall be provided—</text><subclause id="id2DC438189860495A8100B3D1F818202B"><enum>(I)</enum><text>in a manner that follows Federal food safety laws and regulations; and </text></subclause><subclause id="ida5f488857c4340119ada13658dda4fa4"><enum>(II)</enum><text>according to the guidelines of the American Association of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists with respect to nutrition, consistency, calories, and portion size, consistent with the age of each child.</text></subclause></clause><clause id="id856FB5CD2BE14CDAB64DCF767D3084A9"><enum>(ii)</enum><header>Meals and snacks</header><subclause id="id1F4FB9EF3AE64ECDBDF95EE97A68A73A"><enum>(I)</enum><header>Arrival</header><text>On arrival at the facility, a child shall be provided with a healthy, nutritious, and culturally appropriate meal.</text></subclause><subclause id="id864E5513357D406BBFADFF619727DC0C"><enum>(II)</enum><header>Meals</header><text>Meals shall—</text><item id="idEF56DAAD71734166BE987412A79C011C"><enum>(aa)</enum><text>be served daily to all noncitizen children for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, of which not fewer than 2 meals daily shall be served hot; and </text></item><item id="id40FCE1023DB14D968295C9D3E0B67B67"><enum>(bb)</enum><text>include a variety of fresh fruit, vegetables, a protein, and grains.</text></item></subclause><subclause id="idF6F08039F7804371A1A352C0081DB306"><enum>(III)</enum><header>Snacks</header><text>Noncitizen children shall have unrestricted access to healthy snacks.</text></subclause><subclause id="id904E4A308E4042E7B2E3E61D8394679C"><enum>(IV)</enum><header>Limitation on unhealthful foods</header><text>The availability of highly processed foods and sugars shall be limited.</text></subclause></clause><clause id="idEF4A1F489793404D9B5D0C949C5498E0"><enum>(iii)</enum><header>Water</header><text>Each noncitizen child shall—</text><subclause id="id60DF41BEC30D4ABF87E1865DE4C1F042"><enum>(I)</enum><text>be provided with not less than 1 gallon of drinking water or age-appropriate fluids daily; and </text></subclause><subclause id="idE82B2F38BFBC4E278AC7E366208BA0D1"><enum>(II)</enum><text>have unrestricted access to drinking water.</text></subclause></clause><clause id="id026DF020A91D4B8E8FCF18E09D8E4315"><enum>(iv)</enum><header>Accommodation</header><text>A noncitizen child's individual dietary needs or restrictions shall be accommodated.</text></clause><clause id="id61CF6CAB3E0741279EBD3CC8C6A71FE5"><enum>(v)</enum><header>Special considerations for infants and young children</header><subclause id="id93AEAA64FA8F4659B7924EFFBC31A3DB"><enum>(I)</enum><header>Bottle feeding</header><item id="idcbc9b44625e14de385fc196df900419f"><enum>(aa)</enum><header>In general</header><text>On arrival at a facility, the parent, legal guardian, or nonparent family member of a noncitizen child using a bottle for feeding shall be offered 2 clean baby bottles, a bottle brush, dish soap, and enough bottled water and baby formula for not less than 96 ounces of formula milk.</text></item><item id="id3f3979815d9042878d3b2a0dbca32830"><enum>(bb)</enum><header>Additional supplies</header><text>Additional baby formula and bottled water, and access to a bottle warmer, shall be provided on request of the parent, legal guardian, or nonparent family member.</text></item></subclause><subclause id="idD8FFC1147DAB4823BF5D19ACA05C55E3"><enum>(II)</enum><header>Breastfeeding</header><text>In the case of any noncitizen child who is breastfeeding at the time of arrival at the facility—</text><item id="idD98EB62BD53841F0B3952550EBA3F929"><enum>(aa)</enum><text>continued breastfeeding shall be supported; and</text></item><item id="id9A9DBE99A42C4076AF16536B8F2D2892"><enum>(bb)</enum><text>the breastfeeding mother of each such noncitizen child shall be provided with privacy, blankets, a quiet area for breastfeeding, a nursing chair, and adequate amounts of food and water consistent with the dietary needs of a breastfeeding mother. </text></item></subclause></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id4AAAECF32B384A8D9D219CB520474ABB"><enum>(D)</enum><header>Hygiene</header><clause id="idF54BB75F8C11410DB883F4EFCB0A5C97"><enum>(i)</enum><header>Clothes and shoes</header><text>Each noncitizen child shall be provided with a set of clean clothes, and on request, a pair of shoes in good condition and warm clothing.</text></clause><clause id="id4199EABB9D9D436A955D495EEF1B9D16"><enum>(ii)</enum><header>Showers</header><subclause id="idFD21F83BB1954B02BA4B18BC4F7CFDF3"><enum>(I)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Each noncitizen child shall be provided access to a hot shower with a barrier for privacy. </text></subclause><subclause id="id614D9A492E11497EA4BE32FD6E9EA85A"><enum>(II)</enum><header>Access</header><text>A noncitizen child shall be provided access to additional hot showers on request. </text></subclause><subclause id="id3E1D533FA4FD491890615A339930251E"><enum>(III)</enum><header>Temperature</header><text>Hot water for a shower under this clause shall be set at a temperature consistent with the temperature required under childcare facility standards for childcare facilities licensed in the State in which the facility is located. </text></subclause></clause><clause id="id064CF58BD5A1401D9A36B5B4690972BF"><enum>(iii)</enum><header>Menstruation supplies</header><text>Each female noncitizen child shall be offered immediately a supply of tampons and pads at no cost.</text></clause><clause id="idCBF8DF5D5DAC46AD96D57137A14D4219"><enum>(iv)</enum><header>Diapering</header><subclause id="id22C83E31261C4D47B55A6F304F958E8E"><enum>(I)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The parent, legal guardian, or other family member of each noncitizen child using diapers shall be provided immediately with 3 size-appropriate diapers and a packet of diaper wipes.</text></subclause><subclause id="id6BAA2EB963D74B53B44C4EB33D784CE7"><enum>(II)</enum><header>Additional diapers</header><text>Additional diapers and diaper wipes shall be provided on request at no cost.</text></subclause><subclause id="id30B6FC2A4C1743AEA43093D8A75C3A42"><enum>(III)</enum><header>Diaper changing area</header><text>The parent, legal guardian, or other family member of each such noncitizen child shall be provided—</text><item id="idF96F85EE1A8640708894946312986380"><enum>(aa)</enum><text>access to a safe and sanitary area in which to change the child's diaper;</text></item><item id="idDABD6EA4BC954DD69D80C14D8A0FC4A1"><enum>(bb)</enum><text>a clean diaper changing pad; and</text></item><item id="idED42ECB3D51D411B94B1A89CC737D7B9"><enum>(cc)</enum><text>a handwashing station.</text></item></subclause></clause><clause id="id5a7f41e90e9843998928b3b57d35be37"><enum>(v)</enum><header>Bathrooms</header><text>Each noncitizen child shall be provided access to bathrooms.</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idFD81E803F55A4BEB83B9FAB9258F19AE"><enum>(E)</enum><header>Sleep</header><clause id="id6B2F0361D4314CC2A96EE4F3E80087A6"><enum>(i)</enum><header>Mats, blankets, and pillows</header><subclause id="idCE1817598ABF459495DD6DFFF0016502"><enum>(I)</enum><header>In general</header><text>On arrival, each noncitizen child shall be provided with a clean mat that is not less than 3 inches thick, a clean cloth blanket, and a clean pillow.</text></subclause><subclause id="idAA68C89A974F426E8B757E5B0BA3BD51"><enum>(II)</enum><header>Additional blankets</header><text>A noncitizen child shall be provided with additional blankets on request by the child or the parent, legal guardian, or other family member of the child.</text></subclause></clause><clause id="id7AD8155A5BC145A98BEB2D3B13F1745A"><enum>(ii)</enum><header>Quiet location</header><text>On request or if there are signs of a noncitizen child feeling tired, the child shall be provided with access to a quiet location in which to sleep that has dimmed lights.</text></clause><clause id="idE8D8A2837E4644C385D53106FFC2BACA"><enum>(iii)</enum><header>Schedule</header><text>Between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.—</text><subclause id="id6EBDA74838CA4EBCADACDB4DD0C5A8D3"><enum>(I)</enum><text>noncitizen children shall have access to lighting that is safe and conducive to sleep; and </text></subclause><subclause id="idE1D21D94B1894D2EA094036284082AC1"><enum>(II)</enum><text>noise shall be at a level conducive to sleep.</text></subclause></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id08625CD4A0F34715909CBF595208EF1A"><enum>(F)</enum><header>Recreation</header><clause id="id5269359D96954CC79D006409DC3AEA67"><enum>(i)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Noncitizen children shall have access to age-appropriate recreational activities, including indoor and outdoor spaces for physical activity, toys, art supplies, sports equipment, and books.</text></clause><clause id="id3E7826AA1B47453696CC69A5BE587396"><enum>(ii)</enum><header>Outdoor play</header><text>Noncitizen children shall be allowed to play outside for not less than 30 minutes every 3 hours during daylight hours.</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idFDAD7D292BAE42849F92DE9E5B683359"><enum>(G)</enum><header>Religious practice</header><text>Noncitizen children shall be permitted to practice their religion or to not practice a religion, as applicable.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="id64796D3994B04CD1994EA4A0C10671BC"><enum>(5)</enum><header>Notice of rights</header><subparagraph id="idE5AA59C664244D49A9E27766024958BC"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Ombudsperson shall develop a notice of children's rights, which shall be posted in each U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility that houses children in any location in which noncitizen children are located. </text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idF7F194A1B98A428495391374544A45F7"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Description of rights</header><text>The notice required by subparagraph (A) shall include—</text><clause id="idD10467B03D054DFBAFFE378441F9EAD4"><enum>(i)</enum><text>a description of—</text><subclause id="id28FA8B85DB4B4285A284D511CB91CCB6"><enum>(I)</enum><text>all rights afforded to a noncitizen child under section 235 of the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/8/1232">8 U.S.C. 1232</external-xref>) and this Act; </text></subclause><subclause id="id4BCAD4F27AAB49E587EE604147D63753"><enum>(II)</enum><text>the right to a bond redetermination hearing; and</text></subclause><subclause id="idF87878A11B764E429708CEE62AB59E6E"><enum>(III)</enum><text>any other existing mechanism by which children may seek to enforce their rights, including placement review panels; and</text></subclause></clause><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idC61A19CE09874245A5123BEC16231F67"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>a list of pro bono legal services providers and contact information for such providers. </text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id6332C386C1004BDDB6F1CB850001CEF3"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Format and languages</header><clause id="id504CC254B51E483EA335D5FF5837D713"><enum>(i)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Such notice shall be—</text><subclause id="id15B2446D8BDA4B30A0ED0BDCA96A0F22"><enum>(I)</enum><text>written in a manner that is child friendly and age-appropriate; and </text></subclause><subclause id="id19d7e4c75ad94605a69c584b9ec5deff"><enum>(II)</enum><text>made available and posted in multiple languages, including the top 20 preferred languages.</text></subclause></clause><clause id="idB6DA112C52E44DD78BCBC31B6AE00C9F"><enum>(ii)</enum><header>Additional languages</header><text>The Ombudsperson may require such notice to be made available and posted in any additional language the Ombudsperson considers necessary based on the demographics of arriving noncitizen children.</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idFAC0F5E850C34AF78B6D46D1EDFDC0E4"><enum>(D)</enum><header>Availability</header><text>A child caregiver professional of the Department of Homeland Security shall provide each noncitizen child with such notice on the child's arrival at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility.</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id2ef3f4d37890480c84c66baa389f12e8"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Separation from unfamiliar adults</header><paragraph id="id5138e9cbc4a4452da4f3116b5b250a97"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Except as provided in paragraph (2), an unaccompanied noncitizen child in the custody of the Commissioner shall be physically separated from any adult who is not related to the child.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id353606e8d5da47bb8b0d5526a65af379"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Immediate separation not feasible</header><text>In any circumstance in which such separation is not immediately feasible, such as during transport to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility, an unaccompanied noncitizen child shall not be left alone with such an adult or detained with such an adult for more than 6 hours. </text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id99CE3D148A544227B7DBF30C727088E0"><enum>(f)</enum><header>Staff training</header><paragraph id="idF6963D4EB2CF463EB29E8D73086AFDE3"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Commissioner shall ensure that—</text><subparagraph id="id5844E30D55F4404FAE8D1C72CC037C64"><enum>(A)</enum><text>the staff of each U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility in which 1 or more noncitizen children are housed receives training on responding to the needs of children and families exposed to trauma, including training on—</text><clause id="id734C8AF63D8D461CBE9CAA65F9FCABBD"><enum>(i)</enum><text>the principles and practices of trauma-informed care and psychological first aid; </text></clause><clause id="id3680F3D03FC342CEB5303AFE2579F785"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>vicarious traumatization and secondary stress; and</text></clause><clause id="id7096c0672aaa46b4b372e35afc846c43"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>recognizing the signs of a child in medical distress; and</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idA36D947D791A438C994A04F8EAE5AE64"><enum>(B)</enum><text>every effort is made to ensure that the safety and well-being of noncitizen children in U.S. Customs and Border Protection custody are satisfactorily provided for by facility staff.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="id238B9C5964A947238C9CBD5CFDFFB05A"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Rulemaking</header><subparagraph id="id1810a4b40e784b81a32c3f40a521d079"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Commissioner shall issue regulations that require Border Patrol and Office of Field Operations officials to participate in regular training so as to ensure that such officials treat all individuals in their custody with dignity, prevent abuse, and ensure constitutionally guaranteed and humane conditions of confinement.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id841D07B5AD0B41C085C56007EBBF46D3"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Elements</header><text>The regulations required by subparagraph (A) shall do the following:</text><clause id="idaf0fb5117aee4f0c845c693ec441789c"><enum>(i)</enum><text>Prohibit U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials from—</text><subclause id="id521E5399109041D6BA78CED0615A251C"><enum>(I)</enum><text>discussing immigration outcomes with detained individuals; and </text></subclause><subclause id="ide2264418d5d24be2b961e59858d662b4"><enum>(II)</enum><text>using derogatory language towards individuals in their custody.</text></subclause></clause><clause id="id9a100ec856a346ee92fe01964b0923c1"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>Address matters of child development, mental health and trauma, children with special needs, cultural competency, and any other matter the Commissioner considers appropriate.</text></clause><clause id="id6649d3264573408085e17b5da878a044"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>Require foreign language competency and interview protocols in cases in which interpretation is required.</text></clause><clause id="ida8dcfc17e8e04b18aefd9577a9797349"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>Require continuing education in any subject necessary to ensure compliance with this Act or the amendments made by this Act. </text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id7BDCBA0E90AD4FC8B9C2AA361612C332"><enum>(g)</enum><header>Monitoring and oversight</header><paragraph id="idE8F12CD64BF0471BAD6F85F8A9AE3815"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Compliance of U.S. Customs and Border Protection facilities with this Act and section 235 of the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/8/1232">8 U.S.C. 1232</external-xref>) shall be monitored by the Ombudsperson, in accordance with section 601.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id3C3C83F6E47C4770B049EB036321C763"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Posting of Ombudsperson's contact information</header><subparagraph id="idc11e886ada734726be898e98266d34a7"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Commissioner shall post, in each U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility in which 1 or more noncitizen children are housed, the contact information for the Ombudsperson in multiple languages, including the top 20 preferred languages.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id7CC9C592B74C410A82EFEA61AB016BFE"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Additional languages</header><text>The Ombudsperson may require such contact information to be posted in any additional language the Ombudsperson considers necessary based on the demographics of arriving noncitizen children. </text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="idD89E5A65AC0344BBBAA8763262E22252"><enum>(h)</enum><header>Age assessments</header><paragraph id="id74C6BC0FD1D44B9EA181900B2270B97F"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Any individual who claims to be under the age of 18 years shall be presumed to be so and shall be treated according to the law and standards applicable to noncitizen children in immigration custody, unless following an age assessment, it is established by clear and convincing evidence that the individual is 18 years of age or older.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id5248985BBE384A01AC0DE304C57D2695"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Requirements</header><subparagraph id="idE4E87B971B3A43558B018502700807C8"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>An age assessment may only be conducted if the Secretary or Secretary of Homeland Security has recent, credible, and documented evidence that the individual concerned is 18 years of age or older.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id0D4C264B02FB4D72822760BF9168C290"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Considerations</header><text>If an age assessment is conducted, the Secretary and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall take into consideration, to the extent such information is readily available—</text><clause id="id523EBE2E19004FF2AA50B1BBEBA1D68E"><enum>(i)</enum><text>written or photographic evidence;</text></clause><clause id="idE386F80330CC4353BA4ED72CB0B65F56"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>statements and representations of the individual concerned and of the family and community members who know such individual; and</text></clause><clause id="id9F6823C0C046447CA8D1ECED1E7D4408"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>the relevant cultural and ethnic context.</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id7bd5228f7a6c478182b5c931f20e48ff"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Prohibited methods</header><text>The Secretary or the Secretary of Homeland Security may not—</text><clause id="id03469FAE59A34BA1AAA8CEFE8CAE4E12"><enum>(i)</enum><text>conduct any medical age assessment that consists of imaging studies, such as bone or dental radiography, dental examinations, or height, weight, skin, or sexual maturity ratings; or </text></clause><clause id="id4E0873D2E6704E67AD5D7AAF22B01045"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>rely on the physical appearance of a child to justify an age assessment.</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id19c686b0d4514fbeb8b2556ba09ec542"><enum>(D)</enum><header>Legal counsel</header><clause id="id56441D9F76CA4D85913DBA99B98D649C"><enum>(i)</enum><header>In general</header><text>An individual with respect to whom an age assessment is conducted shall be provided with legal counsel before receiving such assessment and may not be removed before receiving such counsel. </text></clause><clause id="idBC4BD2388CC542A7BC7189285DDAD0D5"><enum>(ii)</enum><header>Evidence</header><text>Legal counsel provided under clause (i) shall be provided with all evidence upon which the Secretary or the Secretary of Homeland Security relies to justify conducting an age assessment or to support an age assessment determination.</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection></section><section id="idC175F28F99A840DA84400E3A784B3F8B"><enum>106.</enum><header>Modification of term <quote>asylum officer</quote> to exclude officers of U.S. Customs and Border Protection</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Section 235(b)(1)(E) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/8/1225">8 U.S.C. 1225(b)(1)(E)</external-xref>) is amended—</text><paragraph id="id297FB1A803B4458BB5246A36CF2865EB"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">in clause (i), by striking <quote>, and</quote> and inserting a semicolon;</text></paragraph><paragraph id="idD24058929F244D6FA9A06AA6D9644CD9"><enum>(2)</enum><text>in clause (ii), by striking the period at the end and inserting <quote>; and</quote>; and</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id42D6E3AE260D4FD491A1A97F9F83C496"><enum>(3)</enum><text>by adding at the end the following:</text><quoted-block style="OLC" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idB5E1DA1350084D709F478A480A9B12A6"><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idFF63D7940F8A41AFA38E9E2AF6F95212"><enum>(iii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">is employed by the Refugee, Asylum, and International Operations Directorate of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.</text></clause><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></paragraph></section><enum>II</enum><header>Standards for Department of Health and Human Services custody of unaccompanied noncitizen children</header><subtitle id="idBE3A3FFBEB9F42E58AD4D97E51333BC5" style="OLC"><enum>A</enum><header>Standards for foster care homes and childcare facilities</header><section section-type="subsequent-section" id="idA9B6B5F362FA4D4FA2AEFED435F5662D"><enum>201.</enum><header>Operation of foster care homes and childcare facilities</header><subsection id="idccc441037a0e40d08b240aae30c1233e"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In general</header><text>An entity contracted by the Director to operate a childcare facility shall be licensed by an appropriate State agency to provide residential, group, or foster care services for dependent children.</text></subsection><subsection commented="no" id="id7e9c6d15e296419797d43a738d326f3b"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Operation as nonsecure facilities</header><text>Each foster care home operated by a State-licensed program contracted by the Director to provide care for 1 or more unaccompanied noncitizen children, and each childcare facility, including any facility for special needs noncitizen children, shall be maintained as a nonsecure facility, in accordance with applicable State law. </text></subsection></section><section id="id0F1392D6496148998F8ECBA44C2012CC"><enum>202.</enum><header>Notice of rights</header><subsection id="id741DD4E691794CACA2206FEF0762C2DD"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Ombudsperson shall develop a notice of children's rights in childcare facilities, which shall be—</text><paragraph id="id879EEC4C360D492A91D4B3977D681C5C"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">posted in each childcare facility in all locations in which unaccompanied noncitizen children are located; and </text></paragraph><paragraph id="id78AC300C5A414452B6962C62494CAB04"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">distributed to each unaccompanied noncitizen child on arrival at a childcare facility. </text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id26695BAADB4B4AE58D2EEAA1673CBE7C"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Description of rights</header><text>The notice required by subsection (a) shall include—</text><paragraph id="id33D3EC4B8FAE4B599F62ADE03747CF84"><enum>(1)</enum><text>a description of—</text><subparagraph id="idB267A30599D54D2E9704F2092FAEBF71"><enum>(A)</enum><text>all rights afforded to an unaccompanied noncitizen child under section 235 of the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/8/1232">8 U.S.C. 1232</external-xref>) and this Act; </text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idA6163E016C6F414A9FA60ED6F11A67C7"><enum>(B)</enum><text>the right to a bond redetermination hearing; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="ida1cb1553b3604a3da0afbd02223d374d"><enum>(C)</enum><text>any other existing mechanism by which children may seek to enforce their rights, including placement review panels; and</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="ida782ed31655e4d1e8d87758bda157741"><enum>(2)</enum><text>a list of pro bono legal services providers and contact information for such providers. </text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id27AB801FE2924D1DA92996BF7C1C0293"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Format and languages</header><paragraph id="id509BDC58E1204F8CB6C67E756355FCE0"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Such notice shall be—</text><subparagraph id="id2D84D272AC7140CFA2C1DEB6682B60B1"><enum>(A)</enum><text>written in a manner that is child friendly and age-appropriate; and </text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id451a5458d4e44466a75639deb8217376"><enum>(B)</enum><text>made available and posted in multiple languages, including the top 20 preferred languages. </text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="idA27D71707D5143F49EA8F47C49C46FB3"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Additional languages</header><text>The Ombudsperson may require that such notice be made available and posted in any additional language the Ombudsperson considers necessary based on the demographics of arriving noncitizen children. </text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id2A80BF108BB1471AA89CFF55FDCD3580"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Orientation to role of Office of the Ombudsperson</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Each State-licensed program that operates a childcare facility shall provide to each unaccompanied noncitizen child in its care—</text><paragraph id="idBF5DE8CC4CDC4DF8BE23B70F6D8EDB98"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">information about the Office of the Ombudsperson; and</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id92ED4606544D42B583613ED31B635A22"><enum>(2)</enum><text>the contact information for the Office of the Ombudsperson. </text></paragraph></subsection></section><section section-type="subsequent-section" id="idF8A437E3634144769B66DAE020ACAA4D"><enum>203.</enum><header>Staffing and training</header><subsection id="id3C6EFF2E21E74EFE9A19B79DAD9C22E4"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Federal field specialists</header><text>The Director shall—</text><paragraph id="idec0ab4c0c13648c6968197e49ef81b4a"><enum>(1)</enum><text>maintain for each childcare facility a reasonable Federal field specialist-to-unaccompanied noncitizen child ratio; </text></paragraph><paragraph id="idb315e503bfd54404a6e31a4384a0053c"><enum>(2)</enum><text>hire additional Federal field specialists as necessary to ensure that, for the majority of unaccompanied noncitizen children in the custody of the Secretary, a decision regarding their release can be made by Federal field specialists not later than 48 hours after the approval of a release recommendation to a sponsor; and</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id37881acda7ac4895a6227e7bec0241f1"><enum>(3)</enum><text>develop and manage a plan for expeditiously placing unaccompanied noncitizen children who have no identified sponsor in the least restrictive setting that most approximates a family.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="ideab100b96c1c4083b1ed44d3baeb6265"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Case management specialists</header><text>The Director shall ensure that each State-licensed program that operates a childcare facility—</text><paragraph id="id9f46a6cdf0f644ac827a7f634b22ccec"><enum>(1)</enum><text>maintains a ratio of 8 unaccompanied noncitizen children to each case management specialist;</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id86db66883e9545f8a0382e38057909c9"><enum>(2)</enum><text>provides training for case management specialists that enables the Department of Health and Human Services to meet required timelines for the reunification of unaccompanied noncitizen children in accordance with section 231(c); and</text></paragraph><paragraph id="idfddfe6c2dda54bf3b636e179728fcea2"><enum>(3)</enum><text>develops accountability measures with respect to the adherence of case management specialists to such timelines.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="idc7d2984790344fe39893d35b34602dea"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Contingency fund To address emergent needs</header><paragraph id="ida89f85542cbc4fa7935ac39d22d56990"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>In addition to amounts otherwise available, there is appropriated to the Secretary of Health and Human Services, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, $46,500,000, to remain available until expended, for a contingency fund (referred to in this section as the <quote>Fund</quote>) for the hiring of case management specialists as required by an influx or any other emergent situation for the purpose of facilitating the release process and minimizing the risk that childcare facilities reach full capacity.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id954a170036a7412fa8d48a2087b46d91"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Use of fund</header><subparagraph id="id9D69DB174BE84157ABA7785D05985DA0"><enum>(A)</enum><header>Discretionary use</header><text>The Director may draw upon the Fund to reduce the ratio to 6 unaccompanied noncitizen children for each case management specialist if—</text><clause id="idc354c4d69d114a9e84cb61475ce5a473"><enum>(i)</enum><text>the national utilization rate (excluding funded but unplaceable beds and calculated as the number of filled beds divided by the number of beds available for placement, expressed as a percentage) reaches or exceeds 65 percent in any week; or</text></clause><clause id="id18f6ccf50605466f9857ff1ff23e3416"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>the Director certifies to Congress that the rate of increase in childcare facility usage, as calculated by the Director for purposes of section 602(b)(3)(F)(i)(VI), has led the Director to believe that such national utilization rate will reach 90 percent in any week during the subsequent 10-week period. </text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="ida0990c9a8dff4c0ca48b7272d0a4a178"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Mandatory use</header><text>The Director shall draw upon the Fund to reduce the ratio to 6 unaccompanied noncitizen children for each case management specialist if such national utilization rate reaches or exceeds 90 percent in any week. </text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id76644E4AC2504EA1A16E46A3365292AF"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Training</header><paragraph id="id01C72E6B00BA4029A1E6CDA430C8B3C4"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>With respect to the personnel of a State-licensed program that operates a childcare facility, the Director shall provide regular in-person training, and a coaching plan with support for 30 days, for such personnel who interact with unaccompanied noncitizen children, including youth care workers, that is— </text><subparagraph id="idFA0953D2FE6F4EAD8E5563FC16B38774"><enum>(A)</enum><text>specific to the age and gender of the unaccompanied noncitizen children at the specific childcare facility; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id338D47680B8B4DC7827C6333410C7E32"><enum>(B)</enum><text>consistent across the Office of Refugee Resettlement's network of State-licensed programs. </text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="idF735F09C9E5B48C5B6B61D03A325A8A5"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Topics</header><text>The training required by paragraph (1) shall address the following topics:</text><subparagraph id="idb2456b5aff934085b8a430a5d4495e22"><enum>(A)</enum><text>Ethical standards of conduct based on accepted child welfare principles with respect to the care of unaccompanied noncitizen children.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id6BB415679DF142D8A2E17E1CADECA089"><enum>(B)</enum><text>Mental health and trauma. </text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id49AD68D9AC3D4509B90A1469EC725AEA"><enum>(C)</enum><text>Child development. </text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id30EDC88535A24A23AFDD165369899E6E"><enum>(D)</enum><text>Prevention of sexual abuse and harassment. </text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id8486E342AB484B7389E75A2C8B09CE0B"><enum>(E)</enum><text>Cultural humility.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id7F7001713D2B4DC2A2F10F3AF1CF1B91"><enum>(F)</enum><text>Racial sensitivity.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idB784916ED7AC4CB282293FA0D51F4A96"><enum>(G)</enum><text>De-escalation techniques to avert unnecessary involvement of local law enforcement prior to exhaustion of alternative, trauma-informed care, treatment, and restorative responses.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id4ae785e569f34f44b801e9bb87e7c13d"><enum>(H)</enum><text>Disabilities.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="id4CA3DEE1A9E641D89A64BE17C949D665"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Specific training for staff working with early childhood minors</header><text>The Director shall ensure that personnel who interact with unaccompanied noncitizen children who are early childhood minors receive specialized training relevant to the needs and capacities of such children.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="idDF0D76CB8EE2436C907DC8CDD3816CEA"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Development of training materials</header><text>The Director, in collaboration with stakeholders who have expertise in child migration, child mental health, and child development, shall— </text><subparagraph id="id02E4C8D7AD60494CA1F71E1D287F3273"><enum>(A)</enum><text>develop written, audio, or visual materials with which training under this subsection may be conducted; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idE8D9F277D1034D35AB432418C5D7EC26"><enum>(B)</enum><text>before distribution to personnel of such State-licensed programs, provide the Ombudsperson with such materials.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idAF5F89E62A1E4F7D92848E02986E2CC4"><enum>(5)</enum><header>Department of Health and Human Services staff</header><text>Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall provide appropriate guidance and training for all Department of Health and Human Services employees with respect to the requirements of this Act. </text></paragraph></subsection></section></subtitle><subtitle id="idA8E6889DB8CE4CCEBC828A9E7B4556F5" style="OLC"><enum>B</enum><header>Services for unaccompanied noncitizen children</header><section id="id86D5D27CAA78476FA0CB0F99746AC0EF"><enum>211.</enum><header>Required services</header><subsection id="id4d11ede92eaf4b199933c126cb09ff78"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Provision of required services</header><text>A State-licensed program that operates a childcare facility shall provide the following services for each unaccompanied noncitizen child in its care:</text><paragraph id="idA851BA9742C04DBD85CAF3098BF0E8B7"><enum>(1)</enum><text>On admission to the childcare facility, a comprehensive orientation regarding—</text><subparagraph id="id8A2DD957D347488A896B9EFE18F60A76"><enum>(A)</enum><text>the rights of the unaccompanied noncitizen child;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" id="id5D2063B0AE1F432AB6A56B1DECB35C59"><enum>(B)</enum><text>the role of the State-licensed program;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id2B8C53775FC74839B080D32157165FAC"><enum>(C)</enum><text>the services, rules, procedures, and expectations of the State-licensed program; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idA7EF1AD70C4C4949B4EA8134B8F7377F"><enum>(D)</enum><text>the availability of legal assistance.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="idBB5CD78DD9CA405195E1E1357ED59E65"><enum>(2)</enum><text>Proper physical care and maintenance, including suitable living accommodations, food, appropriate clothing, and personal hygiene items.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id49243BB049744F92A2E8B94A48C0449D"><enum>(3)</enum><text>Not later than 2 business days after admission to the childcare facility, a comprehensive medical examination that includes screening for infectious disease.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id4B0356BB881844D2A6FF041588C58FEA"><enum>(4)</enum><text>Appropriate, ongoing, and routine medical and dental care, as prescribed by a licensed physician, advanced practice provider, nurse, or physician assistant, including—</text><subparagraph id="id8BE78012275F4820AD19A8A21E4BED9C"><enum>(A)</enum><text>reproductive health and family planning services; </text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id5A0340C1415043C9A70575605CBDAD2D"><enum>(B)</enum><text>emergency health care services;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id2011DB7319AD4491B718EC32A8BBE864"><enum>(C)</enum><text>immunizations in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idFF3EBC84BEFE4EB782B09C4EB9EF63D3"><enum>(D)</enum><text>administration of prescribed medication and special diets; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id001BB0AC47804C419A404B56858E1C7C"><enum>(E)</enum><text>mental health screening and intervention, including referrals.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="idE5A39CF843ED47A28759414E1D1A10A2"><enum>(5)</enum><text>An individualized needs assessment, which shall include the following:</text><subparagraph id="id9ca423ca03f84d9c9cfed0f3662a6acd"><enum>(A)</enum><text>Collection of essential data relating to the identification and history of the unaccompanied noncitizen child and family.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id6CBAF389211D44A291BAB7DB1FE8CBAF"><enum>(B)</enum><text>Identification of any special needs of the unaccompanied noncitizen child, including any need that requires immediate intervention.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idAAF1AB7DA87A4D8B9A63A0FA2EBCA8CA"><enum>(C)</enum><text>An educational assessment and plan.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id71E0E3A189CA4335B547202BC7CD97A1"><enum>(D)</enum><text>An assessment of family relationships.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idB904EB3BE1C74B5A938F005874547FA0"><enum>(E)</enum><text>A statement of religious preference and practice.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id0DE34928E79B42A3BD13FF3F57274A67"><enum>(F)</enum><text>An assessment of the personal goals, strengths, and weaknesses of the unaccompanied noncitizen child. </text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idBE27DEE9A9754F6591B67193DB02F37E"><enum>(G)</enum><text>Collection of identifying information regarding immediate family members, other relatives, godparents, or friends who may be residing in the United States and who may be able to assist in family reunification.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="idca6c573981864ea09016635a2dd59131"><enum>(6)</enum><text>A comprehensive individual plan for the care of the unaccompanied noncitizen child, which shall be—</text><subparagraph id="idB6428C3E23204702AA44BEE792000483"><enum>(A)</enum><text>developed in accordance with the child’s needs, as determined by the individualized needs assessment under paragraph (5); and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id8E31AC06F6D6476EA80D1D366A8D2BE5"><enum>(B)</enum><text>implemented and closely coordinated through an operative case management system.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="id9A427F6D6FE241A29CFDDDFD4D1AD64E"><enum>(7)</enum><text>Education services, as described in section 213. </text></paragraph><paragraph id="id861A2E32FEBE4A6D81BD5BCF2C15B22B"><enum>(8)</enum><text>Recreational activities, as described in section 214.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="idF0A1B0F34B654EDB9AA68EA11BBCBD82"><enum>(9)</enum><text>Counseling services, including—</text><subparagraph id="idb03ede5fa96449f3865c8cd3c0111265"><enum>(A)</enum><text>not fewer than 2 weekly individual counseling sessions conducted by licensed mental health professionals, including social workers, psychologists, and psychiatric staff; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id5f12e3659e8248b581b6bc16cc06e43b"><enum>(B)</enum><text>not fewer than 1 weekly group counseling session conducted by licensed mental health professionals, including social workers, psychologists, or psychiatric staff.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="id34F1C0AE76C84288B739028A4BC33CBD"><enum>(10)</enum><text>Acculturation and adaptation services, including the provision of information regarding the development of social and interpersonal skills.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id95ABF6DDE02E4C41A68907078312A24C"><enum>(11)</enum><text>Religious and spiritual services of the unaccompanied noncitizen child's choice, if any.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id9733161FF4D14BEF9DA708A13111DFEE"><enum>(12)</enum><text>Case management services designed to identify relatives or prospective sponsors in the United States and ensure the quick release of the unaccompanied noncitizen child from the custody of the Secretary.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id7AAE1D887FBA46C9A07E5A496334400C"><enum>(13)</enum><text>Visitation and contact with family members, regardless of the immigration status of the family members. An unaccompanied noncitizen child and family members of such a child shall be provided with a private, confidential space to meet in during such visitation. The Secretary of Homeland Security may not pursue enforcement actions against such family members during or immediately before or after such visitation.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id08D6777D39CD41398C2FCBF5F7B198C4"><enum>(14)</enum><text>Telephone and video access for contacting parents, family members, and caregivers, in a private space that ensures confidentiality, at no cost to the unaccompanied noncitizen child, family member, or caregiver. An unaccompanied noncitizen child shall be permitted such access not fewer than 4 times weekly for a period of not less than 30 minutes each time.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="idCDD5917A8DDA4BFE93C2462549271DC6"><enum>(15)</enum><text>A reasonable right to privacy, including the right of the unaccompanied noncitizen child—</text><subparagraph id="id153B389C95184A85BE434780530855D5"><enum>(A)</enum><text>to wear the child's own clothes, as available; </text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id82B6F8A9B55348A88882BC02C7B258D6"><enum>(B)</enum><text>to retain a private space in the childcare facility for the storage of personal belongings; </text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idF30FD1325C2745E2A1526181FBE114AA"><enum>(C)</enum><text>to talk privately on the telephone, as permitted by the rules and regulations of the State-licensed program;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id92CF6F86F504467CBD0748F94E640814"><enum>(D)</enum><text>to visit privately with guests, as permitted by such rules and regulations; and </text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id9F00A751518E4255B90A738A2B3FC874"><enum>(E)</enum><text>to receive and send uncensored correspondence.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="id896847C3653D4F0FA17B04EBE4D6A28B"><enum>(16)</enum><text>Legal services information regarding the availability of free legal assistance, the right to be represented by counsel, screenings and legal orientation presentations, and facilitated, confidential access to counsel, as described in title IV. </text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id483CC56EE60845488C975A71888B8DD0"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Considerations for provision of services</header><text>A State-licensed program that operates a childcare facility shall provide the services described in subsection (a) in a manner that is sensitive to the age, culture, native language, and complex needs of each unaccompanied noncitizen child. </text></subsection><subsection id="id9914761F57814E1082845C11BF6B56A0"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Rules and discipline standards</header><paragraph id="idF3E078671F8F467186BDEFC7D43FB3AB"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The rules and discipline standards of such a State-licensed program shall be—</text><subparagraph id="id13e0065586e4432a8532c5ecb5ef8e4c"><enum>(A)</enum><text>formulated with consideration given to the age ranges, developmental stages, and degree of trauma experienced by the unaccompanied noncitizen children in the applicable childcare facility; and </text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id48DFCDBDAF5B4A88AE4A57C298691A06"><enum>(B)</enum><text>culturally sensitive to the needs of such children.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="id7201CBFA89014E418D72049DFEBC79B9"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Prohibited measures</header><text>Such a State-licensed program may not subject any unaccompanied noncitizen child to—</text><subparagraph id="id9EF7E3CC0AC149F0AA74B65766355A29"><enum>(A)</enum><text>corporal punishment, physical or chemical restraint, seclusion, humiliation, verbal or mental abuse, or punitive interference with the daily functions of living, such as eating, sleeping, or bathroom access; or</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id8A46830676B44371A55B21FE87097321"><enum>(B)</enum><text>any disciplinary measure that—</text><clause id="idE3BF2C7E9DCC4D51BBB672CCA736D475"><enum>(i)</enum><text>adversely affects the health or physical or psychological well-being of the unaccompanied noncitizen child; or</text></clause><clause id="id6F1346BB40DF447E9B92A4EEA8984D11"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>denies an unaccompanied noncitizen child regular meals, water, sleep, exercise, medical care, correspondence privileges, legal assistance, education, recreation, bathroom access, or any other service described in subsection (a). </text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="iddca48f85926e43e19c45f33fda64cfbc"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Recordkeeping</header><paragraph id="id7d09be201ce14073bc21bb1e5310ff2e"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Individual case records</header><text>The operator of each childcare facility and influx facility shall develop, maintain, and safeguard individual client case records on each unaccompanied noncitizen child in care at the facility.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="idcd99625ac68f47d090be333d65273336"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Confidentiality</header><text>The operator of each childcare facility and influx facility shall develop and maintain a system of accountability that preserves the confidentiality of client information and protects such records from unauthorized use or disclosure in accordance with section 804.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id4de2c1c6f52e4f2488e709d265380867"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Reporting</header><text>The operator of each childcare facility and influx facility shall maintain adequate records and make regular reports, as required by the Ombudsperson, that permit the Ombudsperson to monitor and enforce this Act, the amendments made by this Act, and any other requirement or standard determined by the Ombudsperson to be in the best interests of unaccompanied noncitizen children.</text></paragraph></subsection></section><section section-type="subsequent-section" id="id28E1C22354E8435F83702283F2C2DC72"><enum>212.</enum><header>Evaluation for disability</header><subsection id="idED61FB467BF140E4B4AAFC1EB104B55C"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Director shall provide unaccompanied noncitizen children who present an indication of a disability with an evaluation for services under section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/29/794">29 U.S.C. 794</external-xref>), and provide unaccompanied noncitizen children with disabilities with services (including accommodations) through an individualized plan that includes a plan for prompt release.</text></subsection><subsection id="idD474E940BC6A4D48BE3A9283D771F98B"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Records</header><text>Any record of a screening or an evaluation conducted under this section, and any record related to a decision with respect to the release of an unaccompanied noncitizen child with a disability, shall be maintained separately from the unaccompanied noncitizen child's immigration file (commonly known as an <quote>A-File</quote>). </text></subsection></section><section section-type="subsequent-section" id="idB4496B227F124B1DABAD45AC203D7EB5"><enum>213.</enum><header>Education</header><subsection id="id8309AFA2553C47F1B7C6A6D9840FD249"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Curriculum</header><paragraph id="id61268780fc2f4862979b18a98b85af2d"><enum>(1)</enum><header>State standards</header><text>A State-licensed program shall provide educational instruction to unaccompanied noncitizen children using a curriculum that—</text><subparagraph id="id9328729CF3D04CCBBF51752E670FDADE"><enum>(A)</enum><text>includes access to physical education, art, and other electives; and </text></subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idFD060B975CA2463E8366442E38BD2D6B"><enum>(B)</enum><text>is consistent with the licensing and academic standards of the State in which the State-licensed program is located.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="id9DECC4A2500A40D3922C530175AF6A07"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Basic academic areas</header><text>The basic academic areas covered by such curriculum shall include science, social studies, math, reading, and writing.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="idEC9BC05755D243DE92D60C0A09C5B69B"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Licensing and certification requirements</header><paragraph id="idD80BA5835A8B4552902E2B3624A3C51E"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Teachers, administrators, counselors, and support staff providing education to unaccompanied noncitizen children at a childcare facility shall—</text><subparagraph id="id4D12332C17204E808476162A5E6092E4"><enum>(A)</enum><text>meet local and State certification or licensure requirements; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idC7ED788D045F42D2B3338D6D4D9C83AB"><enum>(B)</enum><text>in the case of an unaccompanied noncitizen child in custody for a period longer than 60 days or who was previously attending school in the United States, ensure that the child receives transferable credit.</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id3382df7c47a94f578fd3582859cedf79"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Instruction</header><paragraph id="idE0B245662C5B45A58FC1B7376FD0AA7E"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Educational instruction at a childcare facility shall be—</text><subparagraph id="idEFFAAF3D693E4FFBACCAED1A60652953"><enum>(A)</enum><text>appropriate to the level of development and communication skills of an unaccompanied noncitizen child; and </text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id0E82D9E9FA5E4C13A5E298860BDD8759"><enum>(B)</enum><text>provided in a structured classroom setting on a weekly basis Monday through Friday.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="id7A306AB7F7CE4A1C9867DD1ACAD7AB81"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Class size</header><text>An unaccompanied noncitizen child may not be placed in a class in which the teacher-to-student ratio exceeds the applicable State maximum ratio. </text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id777CC86EB6944440934DFD016A34E26C"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Language access and educational environment</header><text>The educational program at a childcare facility shall—</text><paragraph id="idEA517F6EAA974903BA0F0E30559EB991"><enum>(1)</enum><text>include instruction and reading materials, educational and otherwise, in the primary languages of the unaccompanied noncitizen children at the childcare facility; and </text></paragraph><paragraph id="idFAAE9DA2BDF84DC78A02E14D3FC57E7C"><enum>(2)</enum><text>be provided in an emotionally, culturally, and physically safe environment.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" id="id22a1103db41b49e0bad64fe9cf3fb705"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Individual education program</header><text>A State-licensed program that operates a childcare facility shall provide any eligible unaccompanied noncitizen child who is a child with a disability (as defined in section 602 of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/20/1401">20 U.S.C. 1401</external-xref>)) with special education and related services pursuant to an individualized education program that is developed for the unaccompanied noncitizen child and is consistent with the requirements provided under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/20/1401">20 U.S.C. 1401 et seq.</external-xref>).</text></subsection><subsection id="idf320ef22d2214f2a9fa879c96a607bde"><enum>(f)</enum><header>Other educational opportunities</header><text>The educational program of such a State-licensed program shall include educational opportunities addressing personal, social, emotional, intellectual, and employment skills.</text></subsection></section><section section-type="subsequent-section" id="id42CA50C57B514CB184F7DA1EBCBFB270"><enum>214.</enum><header>Recreation</header><subsection id="id2543c55425f74136b11e421583eaa063"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In general</header><text>A State-licensed program that operates a childcare facility shall provide recreational opportunities that meet or exceed—</text><paragraph id="id11017942FA7B453E974C27BD397D776A"><enum>(1)</enum><text>the guidelines of the Department of Health and Human Services entitled <quote>2018 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans</quote>; and</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id67B026A4254046B597460A04B45B34CB"><enum>(2)</enum><text>the guidelines of the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="idb2ce816dd9ae4c7c99fde5600a232ce2"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Activities</header><paragraph id="id02FCBA1673974D3BB81DADE927B1BF78"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Activities for recreation and leisure time, which shall include daily outdoor activity, weather permitting, shall include—</text><subparagraph id="id791533C20B8F44498BEB55CC8BEFA154"><enum>(A)</enum><text>not less than 1 hour daily of large-muscle activity; and </text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id5025880E53B94721A417F94E7C9ADFED"><enum>(B)</enum><text>not less than 1 hour daily of structured leisure time activities, which shall not include time spent watching television or video. </text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="idA19F35B8901D4340912DE63362967796"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Days on which school is not in session</header><text>The periods scheduled for activities described in paragraph (1) shall be increased to a total of 3 hours daily on any day on which school is not in session. </text></paragraph><paragraph id="iddbfdca387db646729c6602f0a422766c"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Recreation areas</header><text>Not less frequently than weekly, a State-licensed program that does not have an adequate on-site recreation area shall take children to off-site parks, community recreation centers, or other suitable locations.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id79b65ccd2d7744e3819cc7afa0666ef7"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Language-appropriate reading materials</header><text>A State-licensed program shall provide appropriate reading materials in the preferred languages of unaccompanied noncitizen children for use during leisure time. </text></paragraph></subsection></section></subtitle><subtitle id="id35297F98A13F4CC9AA9C4C80D04D8159" style="OLC"><enum>C</enum><header>Placement of children</header><section id="id68CEE39BFB6E4198ADC7A815AD73D10E"><enum>221.</enum><header>Phasing out large congregate care facilities</header><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id488F7B476C364C4AB0665D8878CEC5BF"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Definition of large congregate care facility</header><text>In this section, the term <term>large congregate care facility</term> means a facility intended to house more than 25 individuals at a time. </text></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id614B1EDE5E08498DA5A8FB2D14E0FDFC"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Phaseout</header><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idBB7E05D2B36F49EE935B47100A9A89CD"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Beginning on the date that is 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act— </text><subparagraph id="idEE7A336B77DF4262BAFB9CCE6C98D341"><enum>(A)</enum><text>the Director may not place an unaccompanied noncitizen child in a large congregate care facility; and </text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idEEBE2F22871B47AF80DC13163216C9A0"><enum>(B)</enum><text>no Federal funds shall be made available for the purpose of—</text><clause id="id43551434D6C44C1A98288FFCDFB334F9"><enum>(i)</enum><text>housing an unaccompanied noncitizen child in such a facility; or</text></clause><clause id="idAE3E69BA61C94D9292B1A04810AC8FE1"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>placing an unaccompanied noncitizen child in any congregate care facility for a period longer than 14 days.</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="id0B042C695F974076A2C24F0BD0FDE1CE"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Exception</header><text>Paragraph (1) shall not apply to any of the following:</text><subparagraph commented="no" id="idDD5187B329134AE79280619264D1A57F"><enum>(A)</enum><text>An influx facility.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" id="idE9DE5E35DC2B4E269BBA0A6656185EA1"><enum>(B)</enum><text>A setting specializing in prenatal, postpartum, or parenting support for youth.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" id="idAA5833ACAE7B4FFFB98F05914B91BE12"><enum>(C)</enum><text>A supervised independent living setting under the post-18 program described in section 243(c).</text></subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" id="id82929EF9D0B64E00B665FB60BE4739CC"><enum>(D)</enum><text>A program addressing the needs of victims of trafficking.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" id="idC637644939B645AB9A576C9DA0D60FD9"><enum>(E)</enum><text>A qualified residential treatment program specifically designed to meet the needs of a child with serious emotional or behavioral health needs.</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id9081A7373F30447F8F8F4A860C36512C"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Plan required</header><paragraph id="ide5921014864c49b58e43d62c7894bbee"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Director shall develop a plan to eliminate the use of large congregate care facilities by the date that is 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act. </text></paragraph><paragraph id="id9132583C0D8B4954B9178FED8A54B756"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Elements</header><text>The plan required by paragraph (1) shall include the following:</text><subparagraph id="idF7661FD010A7465685121DAB180DBA78"><enum>(A)</enum><text>Specific measures the Director will take to eliminate the use of such facilities.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idD47F4A28F8504964BC058DE762DB08DC"><enum>(B)</enum><text>Performance benchmarks that require the Director to place unaccompanied noncitizen children in compliant congregate care facilities as follows:</text><clause id="idDEF9FBD4446F4FDE948A3A5917D845EA"><enum>(i)</enum><text>25 percent of such children not later than the date that is 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act.</text></clause><clause id="idDFA05BC03B554FEF948D4DB83FFE4B0A"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>75 percent of such children not later than 545 days after such date of enactment. </text></clause><clause id="id5B6CEEBB698246109CD8783DE6515F7F"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>100 percent of such children not later than 2 years after such date of enactment.</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="id233DA770D9BC431DB49AED3FD3726E64"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Submittal to Congress</header><text>Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director shall submit to Congress the plan developed under paragraph (1).</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="idDB2812BDF8484172AAC1C7BE6405CF29"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Transitional support for nongovernmental organizations</header><text>To the extent that the transition to childcare facilities housing 25 unaccompanied noncitizen children or fewer affects nongovernmental organizations that provide services to such children, the Director shall increase funding to such organizations—</text><paragraph id="idB64ADBA5ADCE428F902DF449EE0700A4"><enum>(1)</enum><text>to prevent a disruption or decrease in services; </text></paragraph><paragraph id="id49014ab02cf04946a95dfcb218cbd316"><enum>(2)</enum><text>to establish centralized locations for unaccompanied noncitizen children to receive services from such organizations; and</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id50f0a570deda4b28a05df7e8983c8c44"><enum>(3)</enum><text>to increase funding for representation of released children.</text></paragraph></subsection></section><section id="idda17bbcef59b43a5be778554eee4a2fa"><enum>222.</enum><header>Least restrictive setting</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">An unaccompanied noncitizen child in the custody of the Secretary shall be placed in the least restrictive setting that most approximates a family and in which the child's special needs, if any, may be met consistent with the best interests and special needs of the child.</text></section><section id="id69F6030A6A1E4288BC6443693BAA8FD4"><enum>223.</enum><header>Foster family care</header><subsection id="id72645b59d8774027bdabdb8acc8f2e2b"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Preference for foster family care</header><paragraph id="idebb526ac55f14ec682bc99db0ab2e4cb"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>With respect to an unaccompanied noncitizen child in the custody of the Secretary, the Director shall make active efforts to place the child in the least restrictive setting that most approximates a family and in which the child’s special needs, if any, may be met.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id11115736B5294456AD889C216268043E"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Additional consideration</header><text>Such an unaccompanied noncitizen child shall be placed within reasonable proximity to the location of the child's immigration proceedings, taking into account any special needs of the child before placing the child in a childcare facility.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id68A3DD8760B24321978169BE37292AB1"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Transitional foster care</header><paragraph id="idA59A9174D5234A7899DE8E812471C1B2"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>An unaccompanied noncitizen child whose length of care in the custody of the Secretary is anticipated to be not more than 30 days shall be eligible for a transitional foster care placement in a family home licensed to provide such shorter term care. </text></paragraph><paragraph id="idEE17AD3C37AC466E814A731AAF31290C"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Priority</header><text>The Director shall prioritize for placement in transitional foster care the following categories of unaccompanied noncitizen children:</text><subparagraph id="idD0F6115A96634FD9959BD722BC2349E1"><enum>(A)</enum><text>Unaccompanied noncitizen children under 13 years of age. </text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idAE80C4E439A04893B44B9C45F59E486F"><enum>(B)</enum><text>Sibling groups with 1 or more siblings who are under 13 years of age.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idE875D42457034D3D819035BA27C123F9"><enum>(C)</enum><text>Unaccompanied noncitizen children who are pregnant or parenting.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id23D98086BBB24043B7E1F488DECA5FC8"><enum>(D)</enum><text>Unaccompanied noncitizen children with special needs, including any unaccompanied noncitizen child with a disability.</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id0ded52f379374469920c483c15ab7006"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Stays expected To extend more than 30 days</header><paragraph id="id5f6a4237d0a24eb89ab54e69c5035da0"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>An unaccompanied noncitizen child whose length of care in the custody of the Secretary is anticipated to be more than 30 days, or a noncitizen who entered the custody of the Secretary as a child and who has reached the age of 18 years, shall be eligible for a long-term foster care placement in the least restrictive setting that most approximates a family and in which the child’s best interests and any special needs may be met.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id502D813EE02949299637B9359B7CEB66"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Contracting requirements</header><text>The Director shall—</text><subparagraph id="id573F8DA3335D4133A4815EB12142C965"><enum>(A)</enum><text>seek to enter into 1 or more contracts with State-licensed foster care providers for the provision of long-term foster care placements for all eligible unaccompanied noncitizen children; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id3170DE14D84B4BF9AD82043A232F6593"><enum>(B)</enum><text>ensure that such providers accept unaccompanied noncitizen children for placement in a timely manner.</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id013879AF078E46969DC9B8ECC2F11DA5"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Access to foster care for children with disabilities or mental or behavioral health-<linebreak></linebreak>Related needs</header><paragraph id="id4EE4A4295C4A4BB69C289E812840A6F6"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Director shall—</text><subparagraph id="id6a273090a05a4bbeadc121cf9a15620b"><enum>(A)</enum><text>ensure access to transitional and long-term foster care placements for unaccompanied noncitizen children notwithstanding—</text><clause id="id4d678906bb734331ac5dcb467346a482"><enum>(i)</enum><text>disabilities;</text></clause><clause id="idd2acff8be0f341318801661e131347b0"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>behavioral concerns or involvement in the juvenile justice system;</text></clause><clause id="id478578dd45fb4f649729c0ced64dd75b"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>prior incident reports; or</text></clause><clause id="idcf4f8d1435a6444d8196f8f94ee0ed1e"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>prior or current restrictive placements (as defined in section 226); and </text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id0CBDC5A6C16240D2B368508449D8C9F8"><enum>(B)</enum><text>seek to enter into 1 or more contracts with foster care providers that have the documented capacity and commitment to accept children regardless of disabilities or mental or behavioral health-related needs. </text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id9B0AA19748904967B4512770AEFB0387"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Equal access</header><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idC2C515889A0E4828BE953C223EA585F7"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>An unaccompanied noncitizen child with mental or behavioral health-related needs who does not pose a documented, imminent threat to himself or herself, to others, or to the community shall be eligible for, and shall be provided equal access to, a foster care placement. </text></subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id3A35EC11DEBE43288601811463754B45"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Eligibility for transfer</header><text>If such a child is in a restrictive placement, he or she shall be eligible for direct transfer to a foster care placement. </text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="id1365E49F96284EA98C03F4E83792B6EC"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Limitation on refusal of placement</header><text>A State-licensed program that operates a childcare facility may not refuse placement of an unaccompanied noncitizen child based on a disability or a mental or behavioral health-related need absent individualized documentation that—</text><subparagraph id="id6A7C30AAD6324F64A21337C2D6A050DB"><enum>(A)</enum><text>State licensing requirements bar acceptance of the specific unaccompanied noncitizen child based on the child's individual needs; and </text></subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="ide3bbb5ae4d85419a8048911693354497"><enum>(B)</enum><text>a request for a variance from such a requirement has been denied or is unavailable under State law. </text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" id="idf6de9eef6f2246999e683cdea2e90ab0"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Background checks</header><paragraph commented="no" id="idAADC854D46F340C7A83EF0183A637876"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Director shall ensure that a Federal Bureau of Investigation background check and, in any applicable State, a child abuse or neglect registry check, has been conducted for each resident of a foster care placement for an unaccompanied noncitizen child. </text></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" id="idCA93020C763947F39F8D8F30BC9B4286"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Limitation on denial of placement</header><text>The Director shall deny the foster care placement for an unaccompanied alien child if the criminal history of a resident of a potential foster care placement includes a conviction—</text><subparagraph commented="no" id="id1483725E594D4B3AA81F94A7A95C9B1D"><enum>(A)</enum><text>for child abuse or trafficking; or </text></subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idc94c4dc29c044674a92de5185dd66353"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">that has a direct and immediate impact on the safety of the unaccompanied alien child.</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection></section><section id="id28324dabcf5b4fdea28fbabd74d9bd09"><enum>224.</enum><header>Additional requirements relating to children with disabilities and children with mental health needs</header><subsection id="id593D880034D042AA8B25026B57BD6B91"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Prioritization of release</header><text>The Director shall prioritize the release to sponsors of unaccompanied noncitizen children with disabilities so that such children may receive, in the community rather than in immigration custody, evidence-based, trauma-informed services tailored to their needs. </text></subsection><subsection id="id2EE1211ABCC1485CA0551F673481ED1B"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Access to services while in custody</header><text>In the case of an unaccompanied noncitizen child with disabilities who cannot be expeditiously released, the Director shall provide access to any necessary service in the least restrictive integrated setting possible until a family-based placement is secured. </text></subsection><subsection id="id02AE2D009CCD4BFFAD368CBE146B4C4F"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Support</header><text>The Director shall support unaccompanied noncitizen children with disabilities by—</text><paragraph id="id224AF512ACB14A508B95513A5BF36ECC"><enum>(1)</enum><text>contracting with a range of placements so as to ensure that integrated settings are available for such children;</text></paragraph><paragraph id="idF76108E8AA8A4FBD908C8075AE130BA2"><enum>(2)</enum><text>providing resources to support placement, such as by connecting providers with community-based services or assisting with licensing variances; and</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id9bbf9b145c5641e585823a099ad32078"><enum>(3)</enum><text>developing and delivering trauma-informed disability-related training to all frontline care provider staff, in collaboration with stakeholders who have expertise in serving children with disabilities. </text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="idadee3c99a7c54e04b6f7b0fe01d497c5"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Network capacity</header><text>Not less than 75 percent of all childcare facilities and foster care placements shall have appropriate State licensing and documented capability to house unaccompanied noncitizen children with disabilities.</text></subsection></section><section id="id34853FCCA9084ED3AFB5391F54F5D18E"><enum>225.</enum><header>Minimizing transfers</header><subsection id="id6D0D7184277741D79606D4202838CB75"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Director shall—</text><paragraph id="idf83f9de344764c87b933b24d9d7d8f7c"><enum>(1)</enum><text>minimize transfer of unaccompanied noncitizen children among childcare facilities and between short-term and long-term foster care placements; and</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id92834A0A46364B3C825CB3480977CC7B"><enum>(2)</enum><text>ensure that—</text><subparagraph id="idA9D7D808ED3A43A480795123D89C30FA"><enum>(A)</enum><text>the Ombudsperson tracks any third or subsequent transfer of a child between childcare facilities or placements; </text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idf6dbc967aa974897b9e4434b32bdc125"><enum>(B)</enum><text>unaccompanied noncitizen children remain in the least restrictive settings that most approximate a family; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id1B3C2A35CF3A4C51B3D94AECDDE00601"><enum>(C)</enum><text>unaccompanied noncitizen children who are siblings are housed together in the same childcare facility unless there is an extraordinary need for specialized care, such as inpatient health care services.</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id6A125CDF873D4CBCBFF85CEFEC8225A8"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Notice</header><paragraph id="idc7d54587c0de43028fa6733adea56254"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>In the case of an unaccompanied noncitizen child who is transferred to another childcare facility or foster family home placement, not less than 48 hours before the transfer occurs, the Director shall—</text><subparagraph id="idB11BA01854D444938EBFA3C744B9851A"><enum>(A)</enum><text>notify the child in a language and format the child understands; and </text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id4F74B74339114D02ACCD80B43CEC6E59"><enum>(B)</enum><text>notify and provide a justification for the transfer to the child's sponsor, legal counsel or local legal services provider, and child advocate, as applicable.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="idBFCB8C4DB5BE44AE8FFD16EB7249AD28"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Exception</header><subparagraph id="idF43AB4AF75C64068AA1FFE3AE21CD1C6"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Paragraph (1) shall not apply in an unusual and compelling circumstance, such as—</text><clause id="idf1fdaf1488b24b309db0d1afed6d0c96"><enum>(i)</enum><text>a circumstance in which—</text><subclause id="iddf3760a9a97e4a679eb9a30e46b54d84"><enum>(I)</enum><text>the safety of the unaccompanied noncitizen child or any other individual is threatened; or</text></subclause><subclause id="id3a682c0bc2d04057a31263eee364a5f9"><enum>(II)</enum><text>the child has previously attempted to abscond from custody; or</text></subclause></clause><clause id="id2e24f016c05d450089be3e7ef0cac019"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>a case in which the unaccompanied noncitizen child’s legal counsel has waived notice under that paragraph. </text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id4AA9F9C7DD46458E801FEDD983E2C714"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Notice after transfer</header><text>In the case of a circumstance or waiver described in subparagraph (A), notice shall be provided to the unaccompanied noncitizen child's legal counsel or local legal services provider, and child advocate, as applicable, not later than 24 hours after the transfer.</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="idc13bf4af7e1d441c81cd4be9712474f7"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Possessions and legal papers</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Director shall ensure that any unaccompanied noncitizen child is transferred with all of his or her possessions and legal papers. </text></subsection></section><section section-type="subsequent-section" id="id302CA1F9FA73487B9AB84023CE4592CD"><enum>226.</enum><header>Restrictive placements</header><subsection id="idBC4DDCE091084DCDBD382718AC1F1FDD"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Definitions</header><text>In this section: </text><paragraph id="idA2B3E1B9777A44689A47F37658240904"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Restrictive placement</header><text>The term <term>restrictive placement</term> means—</text><subparagraph id="idC0FFCC600ABF48E68D7FA9F11AF124CE"><enum>(A)</enum><text>a staff-secure facility;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id5CD06255FB1844B28C078205296C34F3"><enum>(B)</enum><text>a therapeutic staff-secure facility; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id4746dbb4aa344bd381255546f5dc0760"><enum>(C)</enum><text>a placement in any setting other than a childcare facility, an influx facility, or licensed foster care placement.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="id4fa307f6fa074e5c89bead38f2d8e3cc"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Therapeutic childcare facility</header><text>The term <term>therapeutic childcare facility</term> means a—</text><subparagraph id="id179687A5CB324860B52ADAB47D35773F"><enum>(A)</enum><text>congregate care facility for the purpose of rehabilitation or residential treatment; and </text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idD5A0FFE8F1754A27810CDD09203F9006"><enum>(B)</enum><text>an out-of-network facility or group home the staff of which has specialized training to care for children and adolescents with significant emotional, behavioral, social, or medical needs. </text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id3e098dd4824146f295f450b97da51911"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Placement review hearings for transfers to restrictive placements</header><paragraph id="id62983D69BD7D41B781E77B3BADEB7F86"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>In the case of transfer of an unaccompanied noncitizen child to a restrictive placement, the Director shall provide an administrative placement review hearing conducted in accordance with sections 554 through 557 of title 5, United States Code.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="idC092B1ACC2044C1EB759F7CB8656C69D"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Notice</header><subparagraph id="id864F0D38FA6E4EF7A3E651221092CD54"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the Director shall provide written notice of intent to transfer an unaccompanied noncitizen child to a restrictive placement to the child concerned and the child’s legal counsel and child advocate. </text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id2AD3F1CB262C4519BB86D7F015DECFE0"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Exception</header><text>The Director may transfer an unaccompanied noncitizen child to a restrictive placement without providing notice under subparagraph (A) only if the Director has a reasonable belief, based on clearly articulable facts, that the child is a present, imminent danger to himself or herself or to others.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idE8767496DDC54D3197B704115AFBBBDA"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Elements</header><text>A notice required by subparagraph (A) shall include, in a language and format the unaccompanied noncitizen child understands, the following:</text><clause id="id22CB37C2B18049F5993189FE4A4294D0"><enum>(i)</enum><text>The time, date, and location of the hearing under paragraph (1). </text></clause><clause id="idC6546F8149C6423DA7F25CEC6C20AFA6"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>A description of the individualized allegations relied on by the Director in support of such transfer, including all supporting evidence.</text></clause><clause id="id5AB4458D14334A92A8F964FA6D912085"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>An explanation that the unaccompanied noncitizen child—</text><subclause id="idD01F0F40982B41768EAF9C97D4076E8B"><enum>(I)</enum><text>has a right to contest such transfer at such hearing; and</text></subclause><subclause id="id284EA77068044104B6AF637589E47ABF"><enum>(II)</enum><text>may submit additional evidence, including witness testimony. </text></subclause></clause></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="id3C79ED3D7EB7401F929C4F4D5FF3D1CD"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Timing of hearing</header><text>A hearing under this subsection shall occur not less than—</text><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id3BFDD4E9022A4E0CBE77AD57ED066F7B"><enum>(A)</enum><text>72 hours after the unaccompanied noncitizen child concerned receives notice under paragraph (2); and </text></subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id7F7BD11E7686427E8CF0C8EAD63A8533"><enum>(B)</enum><text>5 business days before the transfer to the restrictive placement is scheduled to occur.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="id0CAF2A8FDDF5426D812613B927F6A1C8"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Procedural matters</header><subparagraph id="idFEAAB28D796349FF8354D897F2C0F6CB"><enum>(A)</enum><header>Neutral fact finder</header><text>A hearing under this subsection shall be presided over by a neutral fact finder who—</text><clause id="idBCAE85B4D2864721B3B414D3002B837E"><enum>(i)</enum><text>is not an employee of the Office of Refugee Resettlement; and </text></clause><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idE4E09439F45640EC843747952D4744D8"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>has expertise in child welfare.</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id8EAD8EC69F384F8AB6194092A0CECB82"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Rights of child</header><clause id="id2971FC15B07E424DA361D53E47EBA981"><enum>(i)</enum><header>In general</header><text>At a hearing under this subsection, an unaccompanied noncitizen child shall have—</text><subclause id="id90DF477ED2D44F468E87441D946B4EC0"><enum>(I)</enum><text>the right to counsel; and</text></subclause><subclause id="id4125d1f5ce80462fb2735a15e5a2fe11"><enum>(II)</enum><text>the right and opportunity to confront, inspect, and rebut the evidence alleged to justify the transfer to a restrictive placement.</text></subclause></clause><clause id="idCEBAEC4B299449508CB3E765C95B4784"><enum>(ii)</enum><header>Waiver of presence</header><text>With the assistance of counsel, an unaccompanied noncitizen child may waive his or her presence at a hearing under this subsection. </text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id856C006F959A417092581202DAAC20D5"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Availability of Office of Refugee Resettlement records</header><text>The Director shall disclose to the unaccompanied noncitizen child concerned and the legal counsel and child advocate of the child, as applicable, the child's entire case file and all evidence supporting the determination to transfer the child to a restrictive placement—</text><clause id="id14B1E77947184ED383034AACBB53503D"><enum>(i)</enum><text>not later than 24 hours after such determination is made; and</text></clause><clause id="idAAF8CF625B4E4CDD92929A9737F3D2AC"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>not less than 2 days before the date of the hearing under this subsection.</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idBFBBC858E0094CD288FD48C4A63AF49B"><enum>(D)</enum><header>Interpretation services</header><text>An interpreter in the preferred language of the unaccompanied noncitizen child shall be made available for a hearing under this subsection.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id928A779BD4174DB68CE4CED0F532E779"><enum>(E)</enum><header>Burdens of production and proof</header><text>The Director shall have the burden of production and the burden of proof, by clear and convincing evidence, to establish that—</text><clause id="id593785DC6F4D48B793BC7B8E476B45BD"><enum>(i)</enum><text>the unaccompanied noncitizen child is a present danger to himself or herself or to others; </text></clause><clause id="idC1FD5FF034E041619F07B50A56DF934C"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>a restrictive placement is consistent with the best interests of the child; </text></clause><clause id="id91ab56dcd76d4f41853ae75e1a86672a"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>there is no viable alternative to a restrictive placement to ensure the best interests of the child; and</text></clause><clause id="id03e1024220d3487882310fec626f788d"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>the child’s placement in a facility that is not a restrictive placement would not provide the services or resources necessary. </text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idEF3B7F09D5F04FD0AF1C298D0A7ABF63"><enum>(F)</enum><header>Record of proceedings</header><text>The record of proceedings for a hearing under this subsection, and all related documentation—</text><clause id="id70A2BB9225414D0AB41C12C8FA622A16"><enum>(i)</enum><text>shall be maintained separately and apart from the unaccompanied noncitizen child's immigration file (commonly called the <quote>A-File</quote>); and</text></clause><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id24F681769BFF4FDDA2F6BE3B13B49C97"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>shall not form any part of, and shall not be relied upon, in any removal proceedings or any adjudication carried out by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, including with respect to final decisions and discretionary factors. </text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="id0F2717CB6E3D424BA0E3A85A79A30FEF"><enum>(5)</enum><header>Written decision</header><subparagraph id="id84C9BC229420447F91D7C7CD9FE9C4C1"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Not later than 2 business days before the date on which the unaccompanied noncitizen child concerned is scheduled to be transferred to a restrictive placement, the fact finder shall issue a written decision approving or denying such transfer, which shall be binding on the Office of Refugee Resettlement.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id929c9a3f63a949d0bdf95658085dcf0c"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Consideration of best interest recommendation</header><text>In making a decision on such a transfer, the fact finder shall consider, and respond in writing to, the recommendation of the child advocate of the unaccompanied noncitizen child concerned. </text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idC271CFE6715C456399DAE10478367A32"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Elements</header><text>A written decision under this paragraph shall—</text><clause id="id2699C67BB2C1432FA3638248B7D09D0A"><enum>(i)</enum><text>set forth a detailed, specific, and individualized justification for the decision; and </text></clause><clause id="id9A2EB72E982B4A94944A3A553840E6E3"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>notify the unaccompanied noncitizen child of the child's—</text><subclause id="idAE6E0B28B2854989968F92F0393DCBD8"><enum>(I)</enum><text>right to placement review hearings under subsection (e);</text></subclause><subclause id="id7c7cb5e7cf1b4a05a7afab7766c57423"><enum>(II)</enum><text>right to seek review of the decision by the Ombudsperson under paragraph (6); and </text></subclause><subclause id="idDC4B39C31A824200A4E0DCFE0E6E7FB9"><enum>(III)</enum><text>right to seek judicial review of the decision. </text></subclause></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idEC6038BCEAAA4D01B5368A96D7C7CA6B"><enum>(D)</enum><header>Language access</header><text>The decision shall be made available in a language and in a format the unaccompanied noncitizen child understands.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id2E3597FF40624796AA0F2A024735B066"><enum>(E)</enum><header>Submission to Ombudsperson</header><text>Not later than 72 hours after a decision in a placement review hearing is issued under this paragraph, the fact finder shall submit the decision to the Ombudsperson. </text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="idD40816FCDDD940B48FD3A1695B6CEC59"><enum>(6)</enum><header>Review by Ombudsperson</header><subparagraph id="id1F3CA44F0F494F658A095DCA45AE20E3"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>On request by an unaccompanied noncitizen child or the legal counsel or child advocate of the child, the Ombudsperson shall carry out a review of a decision under paragraph (5), which shall be completed not later than 15 days after the date on which the request for review is made. </text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id9AFB246F8FB24E70ADD9B69491420D55"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Recommendation</header><clause id="id852695E5BF6F4A00B0278B099362B3D8"><enum>(i)</enum><header>In general</header><text>In carrying out a review under this paragraph, the Ombudsperson may make a recommendation with respect to whether such decision should be modified.</text></clause><clause id="id6E63F17542EE47FC9E389005C38901F4"><enum>(ii)</enum><header>Finding of erroneous decision</header><subclause id="id1831AA237E644D35AD8EED53A709DE4F"><enum>(I)</enum><header>In general</header><text>If the Ombudsperson determines that the decision under paragraph (5) was erroneous, the Ombudsperson shall submit to the Director a recommendation for further action.</text></subclause><subclause id="idC185392FAE7E45E78EB8C067A7D9C07F"><enum>(II)</enum><header>Written statement</header><item id="id6BF42369357644F5B4F8CAE31298094C"><enum>(aa)</enum><header>In general</header><text>If the Director declines to follow the recommendation of the Ombudsperson, the Director shall provide a detailed written justification to the child, the prospective sponsor, the legal counsel and the child advocate of the child, and the legal counsel of the prospective sponsor, as applicable.</text></item><item commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idE44EA65E125E49F48FC8BA72CD4DE95C"><enum>(bb)</enum><header>Nondelegation</header><text>The Director may not delegate the requirement to issue such a written statement to any other individual.</text></item></subclause></clause></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id26E08F9E51244521B183AB9327FA6B04"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Limitations on placement in secure facilities and staff-Secure facilities</header><paragraph id="id54D6B04C963042F68BBE91A19530B3F9"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Director may not place an unaccompanied noncitizen child in a staff-secure facility based solely on a risk of self-harm or behavior related to the child's trauma or mental health that could be addressed in a less restrictive setting with additional accommodations or rehabilitative care.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id491dade993dc46a8a0cbbb538b11f0be"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Secure facilities</header><text>The Director may never hold or place an unaccompanied noncitizen child in a secure facility. </text></paragraph><paragraph id="idf8c300d7182046798cec43b930f1251a"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Staff-secure facilities</header><subparagraph id="ideafddf7433fa4de88466b462fa9a5870"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Director may only hold or place an unaccompanied noncitizen child in a staff-secure facility if—</text><clause id="id6089dec421c44d948c230949fed75ec9"><enum>(i)</enum><text>there is clear and convincing evidence that the child poses a serious and imminent danger to others at the time of placement;</text></clause><clause id="idd78ad2112fec450eb0838006d3bbbdb7"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>upon holistic review of the child’s file, there is clear and convincing evidence that the assessed danger does not stem from the child’s trauma or mental health conditions; and</text></clause><clause id="id8bb6469ca8f143a8b65af1beaee85147"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>even with additional accommodations and de-escalation measures, the child cannot be adequately cared for in a less restrictive setting or rehabilitative care.</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id2c0128dbce1946bf9a7174545e7c4b36"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Duration</header><text>The Director may only hold an unaccompanied noncitizen child in a staff-secure facility under subparagraph (A) during the period in which the Director can demonstrate that the conditions described in that subparagraph exist. </text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id8FC47D532CFF47D4A0F497B453019C04"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Transfer</header><text>The Director shall consider transfer of the child to a less restrictive placement as soon as these requirements are no longer met, even if the child has been in the placement for less than 30 days. </text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" id="id49284d553b3a469fa7c0b423cb2cbf2a"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Prohibition on placement in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facilities</header><text>The Director may not place any noncitizen child in—</text><subparagraph commented="no" id="id98FFBB4D6BE94DBCB127A03007AF92F2"><enum>(A)</enum><text>a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility; or</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idd2b5b630a6394b9f8056a8fe28f11176"><enum>(B)</enum><text>a facility operated by contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="idb89cdb0943724885b11226e6163544cf"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Placement in therapeutic childcare facilities</header><paragraph id="id8157ce045ff0415eaa590dbaa6da8d3d"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Limitation</header><text>The Director may place an unaccompanied noncitizen child in a therapeutic childcare secure facility only if—</text><subparagraph id="id03744037c7f2477180743b0028666530"><enum>(A)</enum><text>the unaccompanied noncitizen child has received a detailed, individualized evaluation by a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist who is experienced in the care of children; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idb82d10c815df4b08bb0836921d72ed98"><enum>(B)</enum><text>the mental health professional conducting the evaluation under subparagraph (A) has determined that—</text><clause id="id35357593192c41939fdd9bfb51cc3f39"><enum>(i)</enum><text>the child poses a substantial risk of harm to himself or herself or to others;</text></clause><clause id="idb1e9a8d280f54e22b7ba9e1a0b9f53a8"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>such placement is in the best interests of the child; and</text></clause><clause id="id76c7cf5d6e714310a3611f01eb4a9f26"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>even with additional accommodations or rehabilitative care, at the time of placement, the child cannot be adequately cared for in a less restrictive setting until the child receives services provided in such a placement.</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="iddd3459f586614a0b85d479be6b97b7f2"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Preference for community-based therapeutic foster care</header><text>Before placing an unaccompanied noncitizen child in a therapeutic childcare facility, the Director shall first seek to place the child in a family-based therapeutic foster care placement.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id0941a27b9f0b42d7808bae727a5e5852"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Applicability of other provisions</header><text>The procedures relating to transfers, notice, and placement review hearings under this title apply equally to unaccompanied noncitizen children placed in residential treatment centers and other therapeutic childcare facilities.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="idac667f2f746e4db6a70ed90f3eb88a09"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Services to be provided</header><subparagraph id="id5e38a744e307489fbb8be3cf0c9a0027"><enum>(A)</enum><header>Evaluation</header><clause id="id29a770d605d448109e2afd888fb61176"><enum>(i)</enum><header>In general</header><text>An unaccompanied noncitizen child placed in a therapeutic childcare facility shall be evaluated by a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist who is experienced in the care of children.</text></clause><clause id="id1ac80b95e3e7448b9d19b3c3e31e8c62"><enum>(ii)</enum><header>Report</header><text>The mental health professional conducting the evaluation under clause (i) for an unaccompanied noncitizen child shall—</text><subclause id="ida26c6a0e45a34fc1b81914ffe7f2c2fb"><enum>(I)</enum><text>issue a written report that sets forth—</text><item id="id7a596495e28149e489fd7508e5faed44"><enum>(aa)</enum><text>the reasons for such placement;</text></item><item id="id4c157dfe940b4307931880968b14fdcc"><enum>(bb)</enum><text>treatment goals; and</text></item><item id="id24cbf8ae490240a4b6ba7bdd5e8e1512"><enum>(cc)</enum><text>a plan specific to the child for transition to a less restrictive setting; and</text></item></subclause><subclause id="idf4a0ec02ccac429f9b3346838decf26c"><enum>(II)</enum><text>make such report available to the unaccompanied noncitizen child and the child advocate of the child.</text></subclause></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id7ea80e0817134882a7efcab26b2a1ce5"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Access to counsel</header><text>The operator of a residential treatment center or any other therapeutic childcare facility for unaccompanied noncitizen children shall provide access to—</text><clause id="id93833b5843ec45f7a9013b0fa8ca0fd6"><enum>(i)</enum><text>legal services; and</text></clause><clause id="id88427e3c381e42f7841021a84790753f"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>existing legal counsel and child advocates of such children, as applicable. </text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id5862B326B8F540BEA799822680D0C7C1"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Monthly review hearing</header><paragraph id="id16A56C924D964D6FAF5512B2B2D9C1ED"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Not less frequently than monthly, each unaccompanied noncitizen child in a restrictive placement shall be afforded a placement review hearing to determine whether continued placement in the restrictive placement is appropriate.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="idD31F9220131E4810BB6A305F6CED736C"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Conduct of hearings</header><text>A hearing under this subsection shall be conducted in accordance with the procedures and standards for placement review hearings under subsection (b).</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id7b2b5b39fc6e4dd7910b320690e29c9d"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Report by mental health provider</header><text>With respect to an unaccompanied noncitizen child who is in a therapeutic childcare facility not later than 5 days before a hearing under this subsection, a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist who is experienced in the care of children shall submit to the fact finder a detailed report on the mental health needs of the unaccompanied noncitizen child concerned. </text></paragraph><paragraph id="idA18D46492B334A35A835C0ABF64A3BFA"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Written decision</header><subparagraph id="id4CC86775DD9541E19568CB9890012E89"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The fact finder shall issue a written decision continuing or terminating the restrictive placement of the unaccompanied noncitizen child concerned, which shall be binding on the Office of Refugee Resettlement.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id5B14A87663864FCEA5D3EFC3BCF87F34"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Consideration of best interest recommendation</header><text>In making a decision on such placement, the fact finder shall consider—</text><clause id="id77D1621E5BBF40138270098EDB46CEAF"><enum>(i)</enum><text>the best interest recommendation of the child advocate with respect to the unaccompanied noncitizen child concerned; and</text></clause><clause id="idE45FC8D475A545D09A3826C76775BA46"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>the findings contained in the report submitted under paragraph (3).</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id593AC164DB924D679B94E77EEE11151D"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Elements</header><text>A written decision under this paragraph shall—</text><clause id="idCD474E3C4AD84740BA48AC5CAC68904A"><enum>(i)</enum><text>set forth a detailed, specific, and individualized justification for the decision; and </text></clause><clause id="id5a1d3586885f42379f864c3ef49d539e"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>notify the unaccompanied noncitizen child of—</text><subclause id="id519ea63efa2d4e71941c70641e92b936"><enum>(I)</enum><text>the right to further placement review hearings under this subsection; and</text></subclause><subclause id="id4f3d58d00471410c8a40b36e88bd2884"><enum>(II)</enum><text>the right to seek judicial review of the decision.</text></subclause></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idcd9528e094da464893b2c74cc8f5e764"><enum>(D)</enum><header>Language access</header><text>The decision shall be made available in a language and in a format the unaccompanied noncitizen child understands. </text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="id666C6055136B4980BCA5CFF00838B175"><enum>(5)</enum><header>Record of proceedings</header><text>The record of proceedings for a hearing under this subsection, and all related documentation—</text><subparagraph id="id428E3CB3CD754A6D9E4CAA5D0654B355"><enum>(A)</enum><text>shall be maintained separately and apart from the unaccompanied noncitizen child's immigration file (commonly called the <quote>A-File</quote>); and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id9E10D6F4E63B420ABA8682B49AA287D3"><enum>(B)</enum><text>shall not form any part of, and shall not be relied upon, in any removal proceedings or any adjudication carried out by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, including with respect to final decisions and discretionary factors.</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id21B16D4FA8BB4E73A35AB298033591AE"><enum>(f)</enum><header>Placement of unaccompanied noncitizen children with disabilities in restrictive placements</header><paragraph id="id11AE7C4F8DD64DC18ADE941365B5A2EC"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>An unaccompanied noncitizen child who is receiving services under section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/29/794">29 U.S.C. 794</external-xref>) shall not be placed in a facility that does not have access to such services.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id52C955FF3D2540B0852CF175A4E35DB8"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Needs determination</header><subparagraph id="id2ED5B0EB1AC04A728BA3B02ACAF9E1F4"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Before placing such an unaccompanied noncitizen child in a restrictive setting, the Director shall make a determination as to whether the needs of the child can be met in a more integrated setting.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id99bf80b1bf2249de8eb762fe8bb4206a"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Elements</header><text>A determination under subparagraph (A) shall include—</text><clause id="id5517FAD254E84F8090A072A7EFFF87EF"><enum>(i)</enum><text>an identification of the relevant trauma-informed, evidence-based services and accommodations that have been identified as potentially relevant; </text></clause><clause id="id933E2737FC474F8FADAEDC929B96C8C3"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>a description of any such service or accommodation that has been provided and the period of time in which the service or accommodation has been provided;</text></clause><clause id="idDD8C3C865D8240DE9AE5BF70691D94CD"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>if any such service or accommodation has been ineffective, an assessment of the reason; and</text></clause><clause id="id46806543643344338e2e81d09a809d13"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>an assessment of whether additional services or accommodations could be provided at the child’s current placement. </text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="idA4CB3010EF134EC8A6985774D7139C3B"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Services available in a less restrictive placement</header><subparagraph id="id01116793922A468CA42A0EA54BA486EE"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>If services are identified that have the potential to maintain such an unaccompanied noncitizen child in a less restrictive placement, the Director shall ensure that the child receives such services before the Director considers a transfer to a restrictive placement. </text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idEDDD73F5921F4C25BE3F261A98BC6752"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Identification of services and accommodations</header><clause id="idB85D03607C88449AA2B4A977DFD7FBF7"><enum>(i)</enum><header>In general</header><text>For each such unaccompanied noncitizen child, at each placement review hearing under subsection (e), the Director shall explicitly identify services and accommodations that could be made available in a less restrictive placement. </text></clause><clause id="id3AF5B8474A9043A780BEC47F1A8043FD"><enum>(ii)</enum><header>Justification</header><text>A recommendation by the Director against placing such an unaccompanied noncitizen child in a less restrictive placement shall be supported by specific documentation as to the reasons that, even with such accommodations, the child cannot be safely placed in a less restrictive placement.</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="id159BDE11B30C49889C3B439D1404EF46"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Independent review</header><subparagraph id="ide8eebf05735e4915b8fbe4019b2073a8"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>In the case of such an unaccompanied noncitizen child whom the Director intends to transfer to a restrictive placement, before the child’s placement review hearing, the decision to so transfer shall be reviewed by an independent third-party licensed psychologist or psychiatrist who is experienced in the care of children in accordance with a standardized process for evaluating the data and presented rationale, including a consideration of accommodations that could avoid the need for restrictive placement.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id39a7ec39db8246fbb5954b90d62afd83"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Continued restrictive placement</header><text>In the case of such an unaccompanied noncitizen child in a restrictive placement whom the Director does not intend to transfer to a less restrictive placement, before the child’s next placement review hearing, the decision shall be reviewed by an independent third-party licensed psychologist or psychiatrist who is experienced in the care of children, in accordance with a standardized process for evaluating the data and presented rationale, including a consideration of accommodations that could avoid the need for restrictive placement.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id00e9d69690ef48f88fa37ba179365e85"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Report</header><text>Not later than 45 days after conducting a review under this paragraph, the independent third-party mental health professional shall issue a written report describing the results of the review to the fact finder, the child concerned, the legal counsel and child advocate of such child, and the Director.</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection></section><section section-type="subsequent-section" id="idA334EFDAABD844938F14E0FCB86311C3"><enum>227.</enum><header>Judicial review of placement</header><subsection id="id1b787226c97d4dfdbc26b91929017c99"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In general</header><text>An unaccompanied noncitizen child, or the parent, legal guardian, or nonparent family member of the child, with the consent of the child, may seek judicial review in a district court of the United States of—</text><paragraph id="id27011535F47347BCB82BC525F9557C32"><enum>(1)</enum><text>a determination with respect to the type of childcare facility in which the child is placed; or </text></paragraph><paragraph id="idBEF59C157FC54544ADDD6AAEDF2D57ED"><enum>(2)</enum><text>a sponsorship determination.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="idC6826449CED74993B37F1671576C5E83"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Venue</header><text>Venue for judicial review under subsection (a) may be found in—</text><paragraph id="id01ED27F942CD44B0A0555D0E8CB62C92"><enum>(1)</enum><text>the district in which the original childcare facility in which the unaccompanied noncitizen child concerned was placed is located; or</text></paragraph><paragraph id="idF7CA4B08EA8D4C649EC9E173A340ACE2"><enum>(2)</enum><text>the district in which the childcare facility to which the unaccompanied noncitizen child was transferred is located.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="idD5746D1CB1E74718AF586929F348C3D5"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Limited review</header><text>Review under this section shall be limited to entering an order solely affecting the individual claims of the unaccompanied noncitizen child or the parent, legal guardian, or prospective sponsor seeking such review. </text></subsection><subsection id="idc6661f38f72243aa96b66351be4c37db"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Agency exercise of discretion reviewed de novo</header><text>The exercise of discretion by the Secretary or the Secretary of Homeland Security in making a placement decision reviewed under this section shall be reviewed de novo.</text></subsection><subsection id="id2CF55F8BF27E4F778F5AFF5FF9C0F592"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Bond redetermination</header><text>An unaccompanied noncitizen child in removal proceedings shall be afforded a bond redetermination hearing before an immigration judge in every case, unless the child indicates on the notice of custody determination form that he or she waives the right to such a hearing. </text></subsection></section></subtitle><subtitle id="idD6F2FFE36C6E43A5ADF06032CCC5279D" style="OLC"><enum>D</enum><header>Family reunification and standards relating to sponsors</header><section section-type="subsequent-section" id="id265E364C355C40B699DD934F29FF4293"><enum>231.</enum><header>Family reunification efforts by Office of Refugee Resettlement</header><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id1E8A1B3721144B13B2FB8B71E88D787C"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In general</header><text>During the period in which an unaccompanied noncitizen child is in the custody of the Secretary, the Director shall—</text><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idAF5380AAE6C3447B957CD05729C04DE3"><enum>(1)</enum><text>provide individualized, onsite case management and family reunification services;</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id0995cd8dd1894a1eb9332934767ddcf0"><enum>(2)</enum><text>ensure that—</text><subparagraph id="id8ca1f5de78ba4c988fbcee04c9125015"><enum>(A)</enum><text>a case manager contacts the child not later than 48 hours after the child is transferred to the custody of the Secretary; and </text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idd14deb38d9a64b56aef28539454c7cc9"><enum>(B)</enum><text>in the case of case manager reassignment, the case manager reassigned to the child contacts the child not later than 24 hours after such reassignment;</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="id298498f8ca6d4ebe887552fb8ef9499a"><enum>(3)</enum><text>make and document prompt, active, and continuous efforts towards family reunification and release; and</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id739266d7bb044240886e27bf3afe2ffc"><enum>(4)</enum><text>work diligently—</text><subparagraph id="id3cb6aedd59804101ae0f4fa45741086b"><enum>(A)</enum><text>to review family reunification applications from prospective sponsors; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="ide28590fb5b3b4893819fa90ea2f507ce"><enum>(B)</enum><text>to assist prospective sponsors in completing such applications and complying with sponsor requirements. </text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id229031E333714170986A0076D34CC410"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Preference for release</header><text>The Director may release an unaccompanied noncitizen child from the custody of the Secretary to a sponsor who is, in the order of preference, any of the following:</text><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id21A86653A90F427A97346EEE7A09DC83"><enum>(1)</enum><text>A parent.</text></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id57AA9DC2A7004988854D1ACC22EC0334"><enum>(2)</enum><text>A legal guardian.</text></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id80F5EBC9039D4FA492CA3BB7E22613C4"><enum>(3)</enum><text>An adult relative.</text></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idDC99D04A24F34A538C391A560C57333A"><enum>(4)</enum><text>An adult individual, or an entity, designated by the parent or legal guardian of the unaccompanied noncitizen child as capable and willing to care for the child's well-being, which designation is supported by—</text><subparagraph id="id79daa0495f7a454c880636b7571195b4"><enum>(A)</enum><text>a declaration signed by the parent or legal guardian under penalty of perjury before an immigration or consular officer; or</text></subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id01c975c0b4c54a52ab2b2e4008f96958"><enum>(B)</enum><text>such other document that makes such a designation and establishes the affiant’s parentage or guardianship. </text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="id4B0C67D3ADF44BD3B8D44442233897A3"><enum>(5)</enum><text>A licensed program willing to accept legal custody of the child. </text></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id4E6B2E2829F24192B23D9B959CDB7F36"><enum>(6)</enum><text>An adult individual or entity seeking custody of the child. </text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id1bb4307067d145ba9aab732d0127be91"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Timelines for reunification</header><text>The Director shall use the information collected under, and data requirements described in, section 602(b)—</text><paragraph id="ide033858a1991410e82ff88bd3bcf95a7"><enum>(1)</enum><text>to determine the characteristics that exert significant effect on the reunification of unaccompanied noncitizen children with a sponsor;</text></paragraph><paragraph id="idA579652DBCD449FCA1F80B29320538C4"><enum>(2)</enum><text>to establish categories of children who exhibit such characteristics, which categories shall distinguish between—</text><subparagraph id="idb0c27d1fc85a45b4b157e60b8e662d2e"><enum>(A)</enum><clause commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="idC2B5A845D1D14657BB6931FFE5EB2FEB"><enum>(i)</enum><text>children released to parents or legal guardians; and</text></clause><clause indent="up1" id="id5EF34D85C3424A5F8CA7C0DF35B65AD3"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>children released to other sponsors; and</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="ida2fadb2c22c94be0850f49447eab771f"><enum>(B)</enum><clause commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="idC3DE01DAD3C1469EBD5C1B0684C1E91A"><enum>(i)</enum><text>children who have home studies mandated by section 235 of the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/8/1232">8 U.S.C. 1232</external-xref>); </text></clause><clause indent="up1" id="id98050FC220C442F5905D26FDAB24CCA9"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>children granted home studies through the discretion of the Director; and</text></clause><clause indent="up1" id="idF0E4F3DED625426A978048A16374A4D5"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>other children;</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="ide59cf3562c594b989a2a58991efbf9f5"><enum>(3)</enum><text>to establish timelines for reunification appropriate to each such category of children;</text></paragraph><paragraph id="idc8169a0a8ad74c94ae49a134ce4851be"><enum>(4)</enum><text>to monitor ongoing reunification efforts for compliance with such timelines; and</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id53e28dde39c7404796d0eacc03833fa6"><enum>(5)</enum><text>to identify systematic barriers to release for children in such categories.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id4c6103539d794494afbd8e05a3264a7c"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Systematic barriers To release</header><text>The Director shall eliminate any administrative hindrance identified as a systemic barrier to release under subsection (c)(4).</text></subsection><subsection id="ida5543e9aac5b46d7aa5bf55db8491c75"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Expedited reunification of early childhood minors</header><text>The Director shall develop procedures to facilitate the expedited reunification of unaccompanied noncitizen children who are early childhood minors with family members seeking to serve as sponsors.</text></subsection><subsection id="ida0d772b1d8ab4ea3b0aa39d54cb9d74e"><enum>(f)</enum><header>Limitation on remote services</header><text>Case management and family reunification services may only be provided remotely for unaccompanied noncitizen children housed in an influx facility or a childcare facility activated for use during an influx. </text></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idCA291C743BDA4C0D888BE40787BA1A1C"><enum>(g)</enum><header>Recordkeeping</header><text>The Director shall maintain a written record of the efforts made by the Office of Refugee Resettlement to reunify and release each unaccompanied noncitizen child in the custody of the Secretary.</text></subsection></section><section section-type="subsequent-section" id="id589ADC6A97054063BFF13919AA096F98"><enum>232.</enum><header>Standards relating to sponsors</header><subsection id="idE9370EA5EDC54D9C9878718BD43D5A23"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Procedures and protections</header><paragraph id="idBD4C184C29B34622B4A5F5BA0D2C0FE6"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Director shall not impose sponsor requirements (including application deadlines and requests for information or documentation about prospective sponsors, the household members of prospective sponsors, or other individuals) that do not have a substantial and direct impact on child safety.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id74aa0372696b4545934dadd3fa9d0b8b"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Nondiscrimination</header><text>In reviewing an application for sponsorship, the Director may not rely on the national origin, immigration status, language, religion, sexual orientation, sex (including gender identity or gender expression), color, or race of the child concerned or of the prospective sponsor to delay or deny the application.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id28c5934584db4cf39fbbf0cb03238107"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Prohibition on certain reasons for sponsorship denial</header><text>A prospective sponsor may not be denied sponsorship solely due to—</text><subparagraph id="id7EBF301ED27445AFB95117F79AD0085A"><enum>(A)</enum><text>poverty, use of public assistance, lack of employment or health insurance, or past or current health conditions that do not have a substantial and direct impact on child safety; </text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id9CEB739C80B14B55A6A8E5FCFCBDB937"><enum>(B)</enum><text>absence of a pre-existing relationship with the unaccompanied noncitizen child concerned; or</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id59C4AC8B09714546B78737F0CBA3F939"><enum>(C)</enum><text>immigration status.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="id0d416bd0bcf04ff1833c77033d5cfb3a"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Legal rights of prospective sponsors</header><subparagraph id="id8C22775AD2B9431E9AFE243F15E2B061"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>In making decisions about the sponsorship of an unaccompanied noncitizen child, the Director shall—</text><clause id="id7BD6F21F8C80423A925778158601D08B"><enum>(i)</enum><text>take into consideration the legal rights of any parent, legal guardian, or family member who is seeking sponsorship of the child; and</text></clause><clause id="id8438D3E4AAB14879984D80ED9CF62420"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>ensure that Office of Refugee Resettlement processes for ensuring the child’s safe release do not interfere with such rights.</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idf2b3fc1fd00a4cebb57e46602ad7b319"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Parents</header><text>A parent shall not be denied reunification with their child absent a determination supported by clear and convincing evidence that custody of the child by the parent is likely to result in serious emotional or physical damage to the child. </text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="id39e73d6300284e60825abb6e5e18ee27"><enum>(5)</enum><header>Assessment required</header><subparagraph id="id049250D7B49343ABA30D61B0FEF25798"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Director may only release an unaccompanied noncitizen child to an individual or a licensed program for whom a prospective sponsor assessment has been completed, consistent with the requirements of section 235(c)(3) of the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/8/1232">8 U.S.C. 1232(c)(3)</external-xref>).</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id86903B158F774821BDF5C968EABC68FF"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Elements</header><text>A sponsor assessment shall include—</text><clause id="idE001735ADA0A41A588B198E67246B91D"><enum>(i)</enum><text>a completed family reunification application; and </text></clause><clause id="idc8eeba6892ee4570ae42d83e6fe590e1"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>consideration of the wishes and concerns of the unaccompanied noncitizen child concerned.</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id3e6b7e558c05422ab4d6ae5af8568966"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Opportunity to address concerns</header><text>A prospective sponsor shall be afforded the opportunity to address any concern raised during the sponsor assessment process before the prospective sponsor's application is denied.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id32804240A8C74489BDE9975B7FA40CAE"><enum>(D)</enum><header>Background checks</header><clause id="idfc04674eaa6444dd9ed2277b1633f361"><enum>(i)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Fingerprint-based checks of national crime information databases (as defined in section 534(f)(3) of title 28, United States Code) may be requested for prospective sponsors if a public records check of the sponsor reveals safety concerns or there is a documented risk to the safety of the child.</text></clause><clause id="id03bf27f3c7fd4c16a737f460bb399a9a"><enum>(ii)</enum><header>Limitation</header><text>The Director shall deny sponsorship for an unaccompanied noncitizen child if the criminal history of a prospective sponsor or a household member of the sponsor includes a conviction—</text><subclause id="id51409d4227f54c36830ad990ac19007e"><enum>(I)</enum><text>for child abuse or trafficking; or</text></subclause><subclause id="id57f4a734586c4ec088b652a1a67bdfa3" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(II)</enum><text>that has a direct and immediate impact on the safety of the unaccompanied noncitizen child. </text></subclause></clause></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="iddf76c3ca6eab44f1b611635ec6ecd4ef"><enum>(6)</enum><header>Safeguards</header><subparagraph id="idED2917C9E7DE45768929BDE3A619B305"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Director shall implement safeguards to prevent any information obtained in the course of the sponsor assessment process from being used for any purpose other than assessing the sponsor’s fitness to care for an unaccompanied noncitizen child. </text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id01956BB2B65D46B3875FA1A1F71D5FD4"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Applicability</header><text>Such safeguards shall apply regardless of the outcome of the prospective sponsor’s application.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="id1f96f805b1d64f6299576cb8bcf7c9b3"><enum>(7)</enum><header>Annual evaluation</header><subparagraph id="id760330AD9E984E2784DBD3C273355DAF"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Not less frequently than annually, the Director shall conduct an evaluation of Office of Refugee Resettlement policies and practices to determine whether such policies and practices create unnecessary barriers to release or result in delays in unaccompanied noncitizen children’s prompt release to sponsors. </text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id81ECAA25C9D04A4BA689511418420F40"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Submission to Ombudsperson</header><text>The Director shall submit each evaluation conducted under subparagraph (A) to the Ombudsperson.</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id07e64f27d5d74369b640b7f08454b9f2"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Sponsorship determination</header><paragraph id="id2539031DAFB347A582450484E4DEAC6B"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Not later than 7 days after the date on which the Director receives a family reunification application from a prospective sponsor, the Director shall make a determination with respect to whether the unaccompanied noncitizen child concerned may be placed with the sponsor. </text></paragraph><paragraph id="idE289A594F01349A0861C76CFF3385203"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Consideration of effect of denial</header><text>In making a determination under paragraph (1), the Director shall take into consideration the effect a denial of the application, and continued immigration custody for the unaccompanied noncitizen child concerned, would have on—</text><subparagraph id="idAC85C67A07DA4CCF86B172CF182C868D"><enum>(A)</enum><text>the health and well-being of the child; and </text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id137af8ed46604592ace92f288f9c8715"><enum>(B)</enum><text>in the case of a prospective sponsor who is a parent, legal guardian, or a family member of the child, the right of the parent, legal guardian, or family member to the care and custody of the child.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="id419BFDAEC8DB43B08099AB21AE1B79FD"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Sponsorship hearing</header><subparagraph id="idCFD2F3BE5A0B4AB18CB00A34325D3D92"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Director shall provide an opportunity for an administrative hearing, conducted in accordance with sections 554 through 557 of title 5, United States Code, in the case of—</text><clause id="id7FA7DF291DD640DAB4066D1D311093AF"><enum>(i)</enum><text>a determination that a prospective sponsor is not fit to receive the unaccompanied noncitizen child concerned; or</text></clause><clause id="idB9C43F2A1B63491C90BE83CBA207FB40"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>failure by the Director to make a determination on a family reunification application within the timeframe set forth in paragraph (1).</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idB35D3A3ABEEF48F5B69AB373EAEC1A9D"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Notice</header><clause id="idde2a96e4415d47bdb9bc356c0d42f7f3"><enum>(i)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Not later than 24 hours after a determination or failure described in subparagraph (A), the Director shall provide notice of such a hearing to—</text><subclause id="idD2E56C9173DF477CB9FD6CB0015BD96C"><enum>(I)</enum><text>the unaccompanied noncitizen child; </text></subclause><subclause id="id9F06823ABC6F4A389DA5D03387155D64"><enum>(II)</enum><text>the legal counsel and the child advocate of such child; </text></subclause><subclause id="idF17E55F97D064345A7B8C17777E3B275"><enum>(III)</enum><text>the prospective sponsor; and</text></subclause><subclause id="id2B46A4D76C33426E849FC714FD822857"><enum>(IV)</enum><text>the legal counsel of such prospective sponsor.</text></subclause></clause><clause id="id9319DA85DCA94C16A95E0E0796EDC292"><enum>(ii)</enum><header>Elements</header><text>The notice required under clause (i) shall include, in a language the unaccompanied noncitizen child and the prospective sponsor understand, the following:</text><subclause id="idA8A05A23564544C09D4C6728691D12B9"><enum>(I)</enum><text>The time, date, and location of the hearing. </text></subclause><subclause id="id4E0557C7B4D6444A872B171613213429"><enum>(II)</enum><text>Notice with respect to the availability of transportation to the hearing for the child and the prospective sponsor under subparagraph (E)(i).</text></subclause><subclause id="id94B9F57429BE4D54A4615F83BC906AEC"><enum>(III)</enum><text>In the case of a determination that the prospective sponsor is unfit—</text><item id="idE45DD0CC077F44BFAF5A08104EE66416"><enum>(aa)</enum><text>the justification for such determination; and </text></item><item id="id88952784F11C48298C6F2171FB463DC4"><enum>(bb)</enum><text>a description of any supporting evidence and information.</text></item></subclause><subclause id="idE39C77B456634698B172F61A27C9BC6A"><enum>(IV)</enum><text>In the case of a failure to make a timely determination, a justification for such failure.</text></subclause><subclause id="idCEEB733D71C04DF8816D54C05B6E38FA"><enum>(V)</enum><text>Notification that the unaccompanied noncitizen child and prospective sponsor may submit additional evidence, including witness testimony, in support of the family reunification application at or before the hearing.</text></subclause></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id3701D5142AB74547B1D3A7539042BE2A"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Limitation on Office of Refugee Resettlement evidence</header><text>In a hearing under this paragraph, the Director may only submit evidence and information that is described on the notice provided under subparagraph (B).</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id3975BF31F6664196B8694662D88C4504"><enum>(D)</enum><header>Timing of hearing</header><clause id="id5A74BE54999A4576B3902D8477353795"><enum>(i)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Except as provided in clause (ii), a hearing under this paragraph shall occur not less than 7 days and not more than 14 days after the date on which notice under subparagraph (B) is provided. </text></clause><clause id="id2D090D10A11C4DD7B74674B58CE9D77E"><enum>(ii)</enum><header>Request for additional time</header><text>Such a hearing may occur on a date that is more than 14 days after the date such notice is provided if the prospective sponsor requests additional time.</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id403FACA50FC84A7BB9A29A711C36313B"><enum>(E)</enum><header>Presence at hearing</header><clause id="idE33C3DF0B72548A1826494553DA259E0"><enum>(i)</enum><header>Transportation</header><text>On request by the unaccompanied noncitizen child or the prospective sponsor, the Director shall facilitate the transportation of the child and the prospective sponsor to a centralized location for the hearing.</text></clause><clause id="id03ED51504F574B67BFC508E003116858"><enum>(ii)</enum><header>Waiver of child's presence</header><text>With the assistance of counsel, an unaccompanied noncitizen child may waive the child's presence at a hearing under this paragraph.</text></clause><clause id="id5450FC5DF33C4DD8A55C1275C2A0999B"><enum>(iii)</enum><header>Virtual hearing</header><text>An unaccompanied noncitizen child may request a virtual hearing under this paragraph and waive the right to an in-person hearing.</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id640AA08FCF334E5188E259BD95F7F369"><enum>(F)</enum><header>Procedural matters</header><clause id="id18DB97C2E50541B7BAE44208BBCDE1C7"><enum>(i)</enum><header>Neutral fact finder</header><text>A hearing under this paragraph shall be presided over by a neutral fact finder who—</text><subclause id="idEE05B978E8594F43BBEABFE2700078A3"><enum>(I)</enum><text>is not an employee of the Office of Refugee Resettlement; and </text></subclause><subclause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id46709B78C28A4965A04F06B544874E3C"><enum>(II)</enum><text>has expertise in child welfare.</text></subclause></clause><clause id="id1E8742FC4D08449C928D9BB2FC705F57"><enum>(ii)</enum><header>Child and sponsor rights</header><text>At a hearing under this paragraph, an unaccompanied noncitizen child and the child's prospective sponsor shall have—</text><subclause id="id40BF6E2882884163855EC726DB81B2C8"><enum>(I)</enum><text>the right to counsel; and</text></subclause><subclause id="id1E31F1C7D8824CF08F5E3C7C2EFB9668"><enum>(II)</enum><text>the right and opportunity to confront, inspect, and rebut the evidence alleged to justify a determination by the Director that the prospective sponsor is unfit. </text></subclause></clause><clause id="idDA359BD57AA8414B85A90BDDC131002B"><enum>(iii)</enum><header>Interpretation services</header><text>An interpreter in the preferred language of the unaccompanied noncitizen child and the prospective sponsor shall be made available for a hearing under this paragraph.</text></clause><clause id="idecb3391512bc486082f1a8791387ecae"><enum>(iv)</enum><header>Burdens of production and proof</header><text>The Director shall have the burden of production and the burden of proof, by clear and convincing evidence, to establish that—</text><subclause id="id364262D43BB14C3B8584A5F72BBEE504"><enum>(I)</enum><text>placement with the prospective sponsor is likely to result in serious emotional or physical damage to the child; and </text></subclause><subclause id="idEECC3071EB0B4AE29A70492AEED59DEE"><enum>(II)</enum><text>continued Office of Refugee Resettlement custody is the least restrictive setting that is in the best interests of the child.</text></subclause></clause><clause id="id6B629B2E8F5345D8A1135800345B133C"><enum>(v)</enum><header>Record of proceedings</header><text>The record of proceedings for a hearing under this paragraph, and all related documentation—</text><subclause id="id912E7D1A80F34FFF8213C57474FA1E8F"><enum>(I)</enum><text>shall be maintained separately and apart from the unaccompanied noncitizen child's immigration file (commonly called the <quote>A-File</quote>); and</text></subclause><subclause id="id54D70FD41DF64281BBC172E67290A5AC"><enum>(II)</enum><text>shall not form any part of, and shall not be relied upon, in any removal proceedings or any adjudication carried out by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, including with respect to final decisions and discretionary factors. </text></subclause></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id2935EE1385414DCE89DFAF64E4A8A0E5"><enum>(G)</enum><header>Written decision</header><clause id="id8FAD5C728B9740C497EC4BB9E9D53FD7"><enum>(i)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Not later than 2 business days after the date of a hearing under this paragraph, the fact finder shall—</text><subclause id="idFAC5D00746C847CBAF496DA9CE64A7EF"><enum>(I)</enum><text>issue a written decision ordering the release of the unaccompanied noncitizen child to the prospective sponsor or denying such release, which shall be binding on the Office of Refugee Resettlement; and </text></subclause><subclause id="id3ABCE281CB1147BB8117A012DB07C653"><enum>(II)</enum><text>provide the written decision to—</text><item id="id97A5031F1BD340E3B6B92F836A88B889"><enum>(aa)</enum><text>the child and the prospective sponsor; and </text></item><item id="id0A38E3A0565B4204B6742F4F65EF31BD"><enum>(bb)</enum><text>the legal counsel and the child advocate of the child and the legal counsel of the prospective sponsor, as applicable.</text></item></subclause></clause><clause id="id9f1181e21edb4324ab702da9775d8a2d"><enum>(ii)</enum><header>Denials</header><text>In the case of a denial of release to the prospective sponsor, the decision shall—</text><subclause id="idACFDF29BCB8349199753441CC45A6223"><enum>(I)</enum><text>set forth detailed, specific, and individualized reasoning for such denial; and </text></subclause><subclause id="id0D80E14E670D406C80FC0B7F10CAAAC3"><enum>(II)</enum><text>notify the child and prospective sponsor of their right to seek review of the decision by the Ombudsperson under subparagraph (H).</text></subclause></clause><clause id="id3166560f68174e51b829ac66b5a157ba"><enum>(iii)</enum><header>Language access</header><text>The decision shall be made available in a language and in a format the unaccompanied noncitizen child and the prospective sponsor understand. </text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id51bfbdb006c34c6794a6e872d6187255"><enum>(H)</enum><header>Review by Ombudsperson</header><clause id="idF9390FBAE52149B6B82471A5FB5AC9F4"><enum>(i)</enum><header>In general</header><text>On request by an unaccompanied noncitizen child, the legal counsel or prospective sponsor of such child, or the legal counsel of such prospective sponsor, the Ombudsperson shall carry out a review of a decision under subparagraph (G), which shall be completed not later than 15 days after the date on which the request for review is made.</text></clause><clause id="id9EA8D38640D946BEB19FBE2E9F752DBF"><enum>(ii)</enum><header>Recommendation</header><subclause id="id208B64692E4A4EC38EAC7A6E277A48F6"><enum>(I)</enum><header>In general</header><text>In carrying out a review under this subparagraph, the Ombudsperson may make a recommendation on the placement or sponsorship of the unaccompanied noncitizen child concerned.</text></subclause><subclause id="id36D7C8290CDE41A0A2B5BC901E4D92AE"><enum>(II)</enum><header>Finding of erroneous decision</header><item id="idB3A92C642689444FA7D46C7E8749C1E2"><enum>(aa)</enum><header>In general</header><text>If the Ombudsperson determines that the decision under subparagraph (G) was erroneous, the Ombudsperson shall submit to the Director a recommendation for further action.</text></item><item id="id441FE655F05344C795B1CE62B7C9BAA3"><enum>(bb)</enum><header>Written statement</header><subitem id="idD92758CFFFD2457A941F58E49EEDF4F0"><enum>(AA)</enum><header>In general</header><text>If the Director declines to follow the recommendation of the Ombudsperson, the Director shall provide a detailed written justification to the child, the prospective sponsor, the legal counsel and the child advocate of the child, and the legal counsel of the prospective sponsor, as applicable. </text></subitem><subitem id="id275A18CDCA8E45C29C5DED896F1DE925"><enum>(BB)</enum><header>Nondelegation</header><text>The Director may not delegate the requirement to issue such a written statement to any other individual. </text></subitem></item></subclause></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id213bc0ce03ec48fca9978e2ee261f3a3"><enum>(I)</enum><header>Judicial review</header><text>An unaccompanied noncitizen child or nonparent family member of the child, with the consent of the child, may obtain judicial review of a decision under subparagraph (G) in a district court of the United States. </text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id6fc19f01e5ec499b944ff038e65bcdb8"><enum>(J)</enum><header>Continued efforts by Office of Refugee Resettlement</header><text>During the pendency of a hearing under this paragraph, and any review of a decision resulting from such a hearing under subparagraph (H) or (I), the Director shall continue to seek alternative prospective sponsors for the unaccompanied noncitizen child concerned.</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection></section><section id="id289BDF9013FD4240A5780EE96E833F9F"><enum>233.</enum><header>Special considerations relating to release of children with disabilities</header><subsection id="idEB9E7DEF1F3B4E04B9A721338C00CDD2"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Director may not delay the release of an unaccompanied noncitizen child based solely on a pending evaluation for services under section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/29/794">29 U.S.C. 794</external-xref>). </text></subsection><subsection id="idde5e6e63e94f46acb70f6d958d69b52c"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Supporting evidence required for determination not To release</header><text>A determination by the Director not to release an unaccompanied noncitizen child receiving services under such section based on a prospective sponsor’s inability to meet the needs of the child shall be supported by evidence of efforts by the Director to educate, and provide concrete resources and support to, the prospective sponsor through the provision of post-release services.</text></subsection><subsection id="id7d8666c9eeaf4772bcafe52ef098a7a7"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Release to parents</header><text>The Director may not deny the reunification of an unaccompanied noncitizen child receiving services under such section with his or her parent absent a determination supported by clear and convincing evidence that—</text><paragraph id="idC70482E3950A490CB65113291D338B3E"><enum>(1)</enum><text>custody of the child by the parent is likely to result in serious emotional or physical damage to the child; and </text></paragraph><paragraph id="id124DAFC998D84C3B9826522B7725F439"><enum>(2)</enum><text>continued Office of Refugee Resettlement custody is the least restrictive setting that is in the best interests of the child.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="ide27c444056fa418fad556553505d4c27"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Review</header><paragraph id="idb5fc404cf36644b9bd4875c90cb9a547"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>With respect to a determination by the Director not to release an unaccompanied noncitizen child receiving services under such section based on an assessment that the child is a danger to himself or herself or to others, a review of such determination shall be carried out by an independent third-party licensed psychologist or psychiatrist who is experienced in the care of children before the date on which the sponsorship hearing under section 232(b)(3) occurs. </text></paragraph><paragraph id="id07237DA4AFD140219306FB2696ABE5C4"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Procedure</header><text>A review under paragraph (1) shall—</text><subparagraph id="idDBDC4E58FC904D87BCFDC84C27608C70"><enum>(A)</enum><text>be carried out using a standardized method for evaluating the data and shall include the rationale for denying release; and </text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id714B34EC0AD247CA9B5E584DBF27068C"><enum>(B)</enum><text>consider the availability of assistive services or technology that could be provided to the unaccompanied noncitizen child concerned if he or she were released.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="idA1D3A37790434C6AB0F5914564C9E1C8"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Availability</header><text>Such a review shall be made in writing and made available to the unaccompanied noncitizen child and the child's legal counsel before the date on which a sponsorship hearing under section 232(b)(3) occurs.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id2305B39A9383469A8EBD960CEBC9E588"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Office of Refugee Resettlement support for sponsors</header><text>With respect to children with disabilities released from the custody of the Secretary, the Director shall support and assist sponsors in accessing and coordinating post-release community-based services and support or technology, to the extent such services and support are available.</text></subsection><subsection id="id974A6BD338D94BCF8AD1E23C2F86FB27"><enum>(f)</enum><header>Alternative placement</header><text>If a sponsor is not identified for an unaccompanied noncitizen child who receives services under section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/29/794">29 U.S.C. 794</external-xref>), the Director shall make every effort to place the child in therapeutic foster care, foster care, or the Unaccompanied Refugee Minor program.</text></subsection></section></subtitle><subtitle id="idAF0A0B46E3E84343A32BD276DE54599A" style="OLC"><enum>E</enum><header>Release</header><section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" section-type="subsequent-section" id="id0950550C0C4E4ADB86318417F9242538"><enum>241.</enum><header>Procedures for release</header><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idE39AC269D47245258978B982136D8EE1"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Secretary shall release an unaccompanied noncitizen child from the custody of the Secretary—</text><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idF2D8D6ECADEC40BD9D888E6D60BC5F3E"><enum>(1)</enum><text>without unnecessary delay; and</text></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idBD609813541E4159A243BB2D50A6E059"><enum>(2)</enum><text>as quickly as may be safely accomplished.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="idc0727a8026324f82a4f50babc2471f48"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Provision of records on release</header><text>On release from the custody of the Secretary, including in circumstances of repatriation, the Director shall provide unaccompanied noncitizen children and their sponsors, as applicable, the unaccompanied noncitizen child’s complete Office of Refugee Resettlement case file and records, including—</text><paragraph id="id76ADDFE2030B4CF29E80C88D94E85E8B"><enum>(1)</enum><text>documentation that details the child’s medical and educational status, progress, and any related evaluations;</text></paragraph><paragraph id="idE357D080A20849F9A6E8610A2EFB56E7"><enum>(2)</enum><text>information relating to any special needs of the child; and</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id337A17E923D74130AE482793038BC74F"><enum>(3)</enum><text>any other information relevant to promoting the child’s well-being after release. </text></paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id87BEB1E14CDC4E6D809E61A0E7CDB1E9"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Prescription medication</header><text>The Director shall ensure that unaccompanied noncitizen children prescribed medication are released with not less than a 60-day supply of their medication and information from a physician regarding continuing or discontinuing the medication.</text></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id8B9FA51B2EB04941915848995C20370D"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Transportation</header><text>Expenses incurred in transporting unaccompanied noncitizen children and their sponsors for the purpose of the release of the child shall be paid by the Office of Refugee Resettlement.</text></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id085BCA1A2D7F403085DA015C4B100960"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Prohibition on Secretary taking child back into custody</header><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idC29ADCC2C12B43E28C0183CEF4F400A1"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>After the release of an unaccompanied noncitizen child from the custody of the Secretary to a sponsor, the Secretary may not take the child back into custody.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id938539a808ba4e4d9161585f098cb58b"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Reporting to State child welfare agency</header><text>With respect to a child released from such custody, if the Director becomes aware of a concern related to suspected abuse or neglect in a sponsor’s care, the Director may report such concerns to the applicable State child welfare agency. </text></paragraph></subsection></section><section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" section-type="subsequent-section" id="id254B76CECCD84BF7AF850B876EF42B5F"><enum>242.</enum><header>Post-release services</header><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id083878A98F3D420F97B3C7B5F80CC6F0"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Required in limited circumstances</header><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idD85D3815452B4926A70B6372BADC8459"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Director may not uniformly require post-release services to be in place before releasing an unaccompanied noncitizen child to a sponsor.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="idfa4a19d9d7294c12b74c3e4fcaa25ddb"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Case management specialist determination</header><text>The Director may only require post-release services to be in place before releasing an unaccompanied noncitizen child to a sponsor if, after conducting an individualized assessment of the particular needs of the child, the case management specialist makes a determination that the child would be at risk of imminent physical or emotional harm if post-release services were not in place before such release.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="ida5488df16c594144aaf0a010b6002a93"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Expansion</header><text>The Director shall provide post-release services, on a voluntary basis, to unaccompanied noncitizen children, including by—</text><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idcae8e0f8743d47b2b3add81abe6d130a"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">conducting outreach campaigns by navigators in communities to ensure that children, sponsors, and families understand the post-release services offered;</text></paragraph><paragraph id="idb89979a86f5846f6a57210071edd2231"><enum>(2)</enum><text>providing active assistance with school enrollment;</text></paragraph><paragraph id="idf2bfce3604154f3b8e94e13ad31b8712"><enum>(3)</enum><text>supporting sponsors in obtaining necessary medical records, including vaccination and medication records, from the period during which the unaccompanied noncitizen children were in the custody of the Secretary;</text></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" id="idb9dbee147f684e72bc2fee4da993810c"><enum>(4)</enum><text>stating that all unaccompanied children released into United States communities are deemed to be <quote>lawfully residing</quote> for purposes of determining eligibility for medical assistance under Medicaid or child health assistance and pregnancy-related assistance under the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) in States that have elected to cover <quote>lawfully residing</quote> pregnant individuals and children under sections 1903(v)(4) and 2107(e)(1)(O) of the Social Security Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/42/1396b">42 U.S.C. 1396b(v)(4)</external-xref>, 1397gg(e)(1)(O)), as added by section 214 of the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 (commonly referred to as the <quote>CHIPRA 214 option</quote>);</text></paragraph><paragraph id="idb64e5d0da171452093b16763945eed1a"><enum>(5)</enum><text>ensuring access to family reunification and medical support services, including support and trauma-informed counseling for the family and mental health counseling, through direct provision of such services or through partnerships and referrals to services in the community; and</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id0896aa497b4741e7bc9b466d5210f4ef"><enum>(6)</enum><text>ensuring that sponsors of children with special medical needs receive Office of Refugee Resettlement support in accessing appropriate medical care. </text></paragraph></subsection></section><section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" section-type="subsequent-section" id="id872945EA8CC94F508558AC3240ECA3B8"><enum>243.</enum><header>Individuals attaining 18 years of age</header><subsection id="idc1983df0dc0e4a56a5f9df8656a77db2"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Presumption of release on recognizance</header><paragraph id="idECA8034E45E245E49B92EB82DEA47FE6"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>If an individual in the custody of the Secretary of Health and Human Services is not released to a sponsor before the individual attains the age of 18 years, there shall be a presumption that the individual shall be released on an order of recognizance.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id4A504C936ED04943B172DD33EB1B9F68"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Rebuttal</header><text>The Secretary of Homeland Security shall bear the burden of proof, by clear and convincing evidence, in overcoming the presumption under paragraph (1) and in demonstrating that such an individual is not eligible to be released on an order of recognizance. </text></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idCDD03FE5355148DFA5B72694FE866954"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Alternatives to detention</header><subparagraph id="id261ff093a2354b4f82d39fe6e0bec9f9"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>In the case of an individual aging out of the custody of the Secretary who is not eligible to be released on an order of recognizance, the individual shall be eligible to participate in noncustodial alternatives to detention programs provided by the Department of Health and Human Services, including placement with an individual, an organizational sponsor, or a supervised group home with supportive services to facilitate access to educational and occupational opportunities.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id3a613affeda549e7beecc5c529fa56c3"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Placement preferences</header><text>The categories of placements available to an individual described in subparagraph (A) shall be the following, in order of preference:</text><clause id="id053b077620da4457a7598fe7e429ff3a"><enum>(i)</enum><text>The least restrictive family-based setting, including long-term foster care.</text></clause><clause id="id61ce5f70554543fca9c1edbe646c8bcd"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>An independent living program.</text></clause><clause id="id1dd5ee527d2f4bb3b7d41414c4fbbb75"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>A childcare facility that meets the particular needs of the individual.</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="id14411b67f17147cd923f3701230b07cf"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Continuation of services</header><text>The Director shall ensure that an individual released on an order of recognizance under this subsection is provided with—</text><subparagraph id="idcbcc186eab1d4a5c891179e892f19d35"><enum>(A)</enum><text>continued access to counseling, case management, legal counsel, and other support services during the pendency of the individual’s immigration proceedings; and </text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="ida721dffd878947238f89e17c5b66dc37"><enum>(B)</enum><text>information on applying for special immigrant juvenile status under section 101(a)(27)(J) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/8/1101">8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(27)(J)</external-xref>), and resources to assist the individual with applying for such status. </text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id9349b63f0d064ae38577afb3805ece89"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Post-18 plan for individuals aging out of custody</header><paragraph id="idBE1A59211CD3491CA0B5E5BDBC9ADF6F"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Director shall develop a post-18 plan for each unaccompanied noncitizen child entering Office of Refugee Resettlement custody who—</text><subparagraph id="id1AFA3B620B1F49AD865467611B148395"><enum>(A)</enum><text>is over the age of 17 years and 6 months; or</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id7F511B75D54F4843A4C3F4DBFF0BA4BA"><enum>(B)</enum><text> is not likely to be released to a sponsor before attaining 18 years of age.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="id99DEDCBFFC984EB2A4106A262A4EFB01"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Elements</header><text>Each plan under paragraph (1) shall include the following:</text><subparagraph id="id709B7111E1554477977BACA7D83510DB"><enum>(A)</enum><text>An investigation into organizational sponsors and social support services.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id62f04f3d01a8458fbbf926a165f048c8"><enum>(B)</enum><text>Coordination with the Secretary of Homeland Security to ensure the release of the unaccompanied noncitizen child on his or her own recognizance if release to an organizational or individual sponsor is not successful. </text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="idf2d0b139754d4717a4e0a028b6c9b0cf"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Post-18 program</header><text>With respect to an individual in the custody of the Secretary who attains 18 years of age before reunification, placement with a sponsor, or adjudication with respect to immigration status, the Director may extend Office of Refugee Resettlement custody for a period ending not later than the date on which the individual attains 21 years of age, if the individual— </text><paragraph id="ida5c5343bab9b4adf8922d38fd311fa1d"><enum>(1)</enum><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="ide3651b3b767e4ce9b9569e2f30e42632"><enum>(A)</enum><text>has not been reunified but has a family member available for reunification;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id39227d8a7156492e81b707a8c2093f60" indent="up1"><enum>(B)</enum><text>has an identified sponsor;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id5957c094b2c748e18e589be5ad4ef486" indent="up1"><enum>(C)</enum><text>has been admitted to long-term foster care or a residential treatment center; or</text></subparagraph><subparagraph indent="up1" id="idB35101432A2A48EB9CCCC9F9767BAE7C"><enum>(D)</enum><text>otherwise does not have reunification options but has not yet been adjudicated with respect to immigration status by a local court in the applicable jurisdiction; and</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="idcb723057d921449d88b7ee202cb377c1"><enum>(2)</enum><text>solely at his or her discretion, without coercion and on the recommendation of his or her case manager, elects to remain in Office of Refugee Resettlement custody in the post-18 program until the date on which, as applicable—</text><subparagraph id="id0e2723700a7546ccb636db98cf9de9ac"><enum>(A)</enum><text>the screening process for reunification is completed and the individual is reunified with a family member or placed with a sponsor; or</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id991741358fc343a6a2d9fa3f4ccbf0be"><enum>(B)</enum><text>the individual is adjudicated with respect to immigration status in a local court in the applicable jurisdiction, receives relief from removal, and enters an applicable program for unaccompanied refugee minors. </text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id236619e56f9d410aadd2d4bc7ec5c141"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Consideration relating to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody</header><text>In considering a sponsorship application for an unaccompanied noncitizen child who may attain 18 years of age in the custody of the Secretary, the Director shall consider the potential for, and impact of, trauma and the risk to the safety and well-being of the child if the child were to be transferred to the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on attaining such age.</text></subsection><subsection id="id8F4B401D1B4D46A681EF076B46FFFB76"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Prohibition on detention and removal</header><text>An individual who was in the custody of the Secretary as an unaccompanied noncitizen child shall not be apprehended, arrested, transferred, or taken into the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or removed from the United States, based solely on having attained 18 years of age. </text></subsection><subsection id="iddb074f96f47b4cc18ac01214845873b3"><enum>(f)</enum><header>Continued access to due process, legal relief, and housing</header><text>An individual who entered the United States as a child shall not lose the opportunity for due process and potential legal relief, or access to community-based housing, based solely on having attained the age of 18 years. </text></subsection></section><section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idE8A9417E92C74045B2A8581B99FC7ED1"><enum>244.</enum><header>Custody review by Ombudsperson</header><subsection id="id196c28e81eff400188ce799868416d23"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In general</header><text>If an unaccompanied noncitizen child, the legal counsel or prospective sponsor of such child, or the legal counsel of such prospective sponsor has reasonable cause to believe that the child should have been released, the child, the prospective sponsor, or such legal counsel may request an investigation by the Ombudsperson. </text></subsection><subsection id="id6056C1F4BDA6471EAA5B7F3DC8F4D41C"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Notification of lengthy custody</header><text>In the case of any unaccompanied noncitizen child who remains in the custody of the Secretary for 45 days or more, the Director shall—</text><paragraph id="idD821534F5C0D468B82A067884D6EAC4E"><enum>(1)</enum><text>notify the Ombudsperson of such continued custody; and</text></paragraph><paragraph id="idC4F9C13B3F8A43E3A91BAB3A24C1F17D"><enum>(2)</enum><text>provide the Ombudsperson a complete copy of the Office of Refugee Resettlement case file and a detailed explanation for such continued custody. </text></paragraph></subsection></section></subtitle><enum>III</enum><header>Emergencies and influxes</header><section section-type="subsequent-section" id="idBF87BA62D5C345D09E625DDB24867DF1"><enum>301.</enum><header>Sense of Congress</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">It is the sense of Congress that before opening or expanding an influx facility, the Secretary and the Director should explore all other avenues for placing an unaccompanied noncitizen child in the least restrictive, State-licensed setting that most approximates a family and in which the special needs of the child, if any, may be met consistent with the best interests and special needs of the child.</text></section><section section-type="subsequent-section" id="idB1AB37492138427DAB605E0B9A643179"><enum>302.</enum><header>Definitions</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">In this title:</text><paragraph id="id2F633905D8DF43C287AFCAC190D8324B"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Emergency</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The term <term>emergency</term> means an event of limited duration, such as a natural disaster, facility fire, civil disturbance, or medical concern. </text></paragraph><paragraph id="idA35C240D44A8421AA91AC94B4663D086"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Operational capacity</header><text>The term <term>operational capacity</term> means the net bed capacity of Office of Refugee Resettlement facilities and other housing operated by State-licensed programs for unaccompanied noncitizen children. </text></paragraph></section><section section-type="subsequent-section" id="idDB2A576C3E044B9E8DFAC32EAF5FC360"><enum>303.</enum><header>Placement</header><subsection id="idAA6836F11BDB402CBF7AFC9BED6FDFE7"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In general</header><text>In the event of an emergency or influx that prevents the prompt placement of unaccompanied noncitizen children in childcare facilities, the Director—</text><paragraph id="id9BE324B1262D43A9B71D639ED6C5354A"><enum>(1)</enum><text>shall make every effort—</text><subparagraph id="idEA9A2D2F419C4A5E97A7F5E3790AD002"><enum>(A)</enum><text>to place arriving unaccompanied noncitizen children in other State-licensed programs; and </text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idf9739857203b42918590b322c53bc1fb"><enum>(B)</enum><text>to release unaccompanied noncitizen children from other programs as expeditiously as possible; and </text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="idc3623236469b46959593da7892589bcf"><enum>(2)</enum><text>may not house an unaccompanied noncitizen child in an influx facility or any other emergency or temporary facility for more than 20 days.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id233CFB3066804F0EADBACE135359E7AB"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Transfer to licensed facility</header><paragraph id="id2B2937A8353E45E4B365C765FA537278"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Except as provided in paragraph (2), in the case of an unaccompanied noncitizen child for whom release to a sponsor within 20 days of placement in an influx facility is not possible, the Director shall transfer the child to a childcare facility.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id9B4BD2AA28C9451B8B0872FE93FDAF0B"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Exception</header><text>The Director may not transfer a child under paragraph (1) if the transfer would prolong the child's total length of custody by more than 48 hours.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="idD30CAA68E9EE4E2EAADD5ACBFA14AB01"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Limitation on transfer to influx facility</header><text>The Director may not transfer to an influx facility any unaccompanied noncitizen child—</text><paragraph id="id749038605D15422987D6A025FF0E3D11"><enum>(1)</enum><text>for whom—</text><subparagraph id="idCFCE3293FB9E45219A2DF0C297AF7D88"><enum>(A)</enum><text>a prospective sponsor has not been identified; or</text></subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id1CB22E9CCC404C65BA0F16D859EBD5BD"><enum>(B)</enum><text>such transfer would delay release by more than 48 hours; or</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="idD2FAAC6D6C8A4640B3FA569928493472"><enum>(2)</enum><text>who—</text><subparagraph id="idF6BC03DFC0B847D1BE3357A304B3EA93"><enum>(A)</enum><text>has been identified by the Director as—</text><clause id="id47FCEFE20CCC4E99A093DB5BEF10E732"><enum>(i)</enum><text>having a prospective sponsor who is not a parent, a legal guardian, or an immediate relative; or </text></clause><clause id="id36C2D7C35F684B92BAF89C472988CA2C"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>not having any identified prospective sponsor;</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idAB81DC3D36F54D6EB72434C9CDC15D30"><enum>(B)</enum><text>is younger than 16 years of age;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id9D9B1A100B244F26BE64CD63FE9BDA7D"><enum>(C)</enum><text>is part of a sibling group in the custody of the Secretary of which 1 or more siblings are younger than 16 years of age;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idEABE3F6F3DBC40B49EBBC961A8A29B6C"><enum>(D)</enum><text>speaks a language other than English or Spanish as his or her primary language;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id7D53E0830B994322B196FEDC0DE63A3D"><enum>(E)</enum><text>has special needs;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id589A135C8A8C49EC87E8C2ECC3305481"><enum>(F)</enum><text>is currently prescribed psychotropic medication;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id5997AB8DA80345318EC1B7C94458E8D4"><enum>(G)</enum><text>is pregnant or parenting;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idF6BDBC23C0CF4F0BB2AA1312E4F260CD"><enum>(H)</enum><text>will attain 18 years of age on a date that is not more than 30 days after the proposed date of transfer to the influx facility;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id457E1089DC224A3FB27BE4D7BF022376"><enum>(I)</enum><text>is scheduled to be released on a date that is not more than 3 days after the proposed date of the transfer;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id7F6ED0555E6549ADAE3AEED6A581F06C"><enum>(J)</enum><text>has a pending home study; </text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id438477800E1346A4BDEF9C4A0D674724"><enum>(K)</enum><text>has not received a legal orientation presentation or a legal screening;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id6ED896F1CECF4AFFAC37CB8E93A30C42"><enum>(L)</enum><text>has a date scheduled for a hearing before an immigration court or a State court, including family and juvenile court;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idD7F01D4D24FE474388190D4F88C8B3E0"><enum>(M)</enum><text>has a pending application for relief from removal;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idD4B202F09B9F440FAD6E58066FAD6230"><enum>(N)</enum><text>has legal counsel; or</text></subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id56C3CF30C8A04D55B39D92940755EAB2"><enum>(O)</enum><text>has a child advocate.</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id12B85C3B5CD34DA6B81F70F959B71F30"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Family groups</header><text>The Director shall ensure that—</text><paragraph id="idce6bad8c7f194378b0ee876e2730b2be"><enum>(1)</enum><text>unaccompanied noncitizen children with siblings or other relatives under the age of 18 in the custody of the Secretary are not separated from each other; and</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id1b52a18c31b24d4a90cda18b74873dbe"><enum>(2)</enum><text>such family groups have unlimited visitation with each other in influx facilities. </text></paragraph></subsection></section><section section-type="subsequent-section" id="id506367B22BAD49E8BA9FDC41E2E979F5"><enum>304.</enum><header>Planning for emergencies and influxes</header><subsection id="id8451df09880b4ed285a1fd3729fda368"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Plan required</header><text>Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director shall develop a plan for—</text><paragraph id="id98C1A0409C9143CCB17B45390F3022A0"><enum>(1)</enum><text>maintaining and expanding emergency capacity in licensed foster care homes and small congregate care facilities for housing unaccompanied noncitizen children so as to eliminate the need for influx facilities; and</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id8AC73149F1AC4A33BFBFEBF316AD7859"><enum>(2)</enum><text>in the case of an emergency or influx, placing unaccompanied noncitizen children with sponsors as expeditiously as possible.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id00B0549E2B71464EB9B3767ABD38BD40"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Supplemental placement list</header><paragraph id="id1AED501E5F4B4883A5E7054006A5BBCA"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Director shall develop and maintain a supplemental placement list of facilities that have, in the aggregate, not fewer than 200 beds available to accept unaccompanied noncitizen children in the case of an emergency or influx, which shall be in addition to the number of beds available for placements under normal circumstances.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id46D7794BEFAC41798F067C4C80898752"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Licensing and compliance</header><text>Any facility on the supplemental placement list shall be—</text><subparagraph id="id5F84AED7052245799188A41189D02E0D"><enum>(A)</enum><text>licensed in the State in which it is located; and </text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id70574E33A93547A4966DD25654935864"><enum>(B)</enum><text>in compliance with all standards and procedures applicable to State-licensed programs under this Act.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="idA8465AD5AE7C496D8FC59B22252A7E49"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Elements</header><text>The supplemental placement list shall include, for each facility, the following:</text><subparagraph id="id397CAF3E4B3A4E9F995ADC91F1619C9F"><enum>(A)</enum><text>The name of the facility.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id83CDFB8826D34051A6E3C6E9D5D58EAC"><enum>(B)</enum><text>The number of beds available in the facility in the case of an emergency or influx.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idB838939FFC93422B996DB17E4846CBAB"><enum>(C)</enum><text>The name and telephone number of 1 or more contact persons, including a contact person for nights, holidays, and weekends.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idD89EDCA6CEE04B4C8FC69BFFF7943EB5"><enum>(D)</enum><text>Any limitation on categories of child the facility may accept, such as age categories.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id23A9E3F2DA6F4FF981D6C614CA2413D0"><enum>(E)</enum><text>A description of any special service available.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="id2F41D5F6622E440EBB053EE4F2F9CDFC"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Appropriate community services</header><text>To the extent practicable, the Director shall attempt to include on the supplemental placement list facilities located in geographic areas in which culturally and linguistically appropriate community services are available.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id9067d07b6a354a2cbdb24256232db8fc"><enum>(5)</enum><header>High capacity at childcare facilities</header><text>If the operational capacity of all childcare facilities and foster care placements reaches or exceeds 75 percent for a period of 3 consecutive days, the Director shall contact the facilities on the supplemental placement list to determine the number of available supplemental placements. </text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="idDDF129DAA56A41DAA08822511E1939C9"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Need for supplemental placements exceeding capacity</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">If the number of unaccompanied noncitizen children in need of placement in the case of an emergency or influx exceeds the available appropriate placements on the supplemental placement list, the Director shall—</text><paragraph id="idEB0F9BAA35B34D32BE3EC67B45CD9CCD"><enum>(1)</enum><text>locate additional placements through State-licensed programs and nonprofit child and family services agencies providing placement services; and</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id0C1E8D9E801B4F53A36705630F1C7DED"><enum>(2)</enum><text>expedite the reunification and release of unaccompanied noncitizen children from U.S. Customs and Border Protection custody.</text></paragraph></subsection></section><section section-type="subsequent-section" id="idC1BF6E6FC9B14480BC2091EBDDD46C0F"><enum>305.</enum><header>Influx facility standards and staffing</header><subsection commented="no" id="id2C335305F581445DBA4F1E2E08C0D147"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Operation of influx facilities</header><text>In the event that the operation of an influx facility cannot be avoided, the Director may operate an influx facility in accordance with this section.</text></subsection><subsection id="id922BAFE7685045E2B52D2941CED2B838"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Standards</header><paragraph id="id11937D795F784962BA38406D9ECE9106"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>An influx facility that does not meet the standards described in this subsection may not be used to house any child, and children housed at such an influx facility shall be transferred out of the influx facility immediately.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="idB45A74F48A314BB2BE263D28D1C8D419"><enum>(2)</enum><header>First day of operation</header><text>On the first day of operation, an influx facility shall be in compliance with—</text><subparagraph id="idad54207da9d94d1ba458944d7906b4a0"><enum>(A)</enum><text>the staffing ratio requirements, case management requirements, telephone call access, legal services access, education and recreation requirements, and medical and mental health services requirements that apply to childcare facilities; and </text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id158A1AFACA0F4175B4E7069EAE695EF7"><enum>(B)</enum><text>the facility standards under the Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/34/30301">34 U.S.C. 30301 et seq.</external-xref>).</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="ida996095bc2364888bc5eff170f813141"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Within 30 days</header><text>Not later than 30 days after the date on which an influx facility commences operation, the influx facility shall achieve compliance with all standards set forth in title II, including State licensing standards.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id50bcc0b8dd424b6aa672cf5f09d9565a"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Contractor standards</header><text>The Director may not enter into a contract with any entity to operate an influx facility, unless the entity has each of the following:</text><paragraph id="id7ab2f14f8738456bbfcdad15c727e90b"><enum>(1)</enum><text>Demonstrated experience in providing services for unaccompanied noncitizen children or children in foster care.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id0c2e5fd8f4fc405382ccf5d25d33e2e4"><enum>(2)</enum><text>A plan for placement of children for whom no sponsor has been identified.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id8F3A231BB89E4EDC94F33DF12AE4E6D9"><enum>(3)</enum><text>A plan for—</text><subparagraph id="idDF7BBCD4012244EB873F6890C104C48E"><enum>(A)</enum><text>identifying, and immediately notifying the Director with respect to, any child believed to have been erroneously transferred to, or in care at, the influx facility contrary to the limitations set forth in paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 303(c); and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id2AD50C9C0485427A9A4F943E678E3EC6"><enum>(B)</enum><text>not later than 10 days after identifying such a child, transferring the child to an appropriate placement.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="id72dde7956802438aa75cebc9301ab794"><enum>(4)</enum><text>An emergency plan that includes protection against transmission of COVID–19 and other infectious diseases, including a plan—</text><subparagraph id="ida124efe220574bc4838b351f0c2488cd"><enum>(A)</enum><text>to provide regular testing for any applicable disease;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idD75E6B1422CE477D8ED4554065E0F1EE"><enum>(B)</enum><text>to comply with service standards for quarantine with respect to any such disease that mirror the services and guidance for children and congregate care settings recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="ida607d7fbe96c405e8c2db5dd7538d452"><enum>(C)</enum><text>to ensure access to immunizations for unaccompanied noncitizen children in the influx facility, in accordance with any applicable guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="id9a7829032a1e4baca5ab83eb7cb70636"><enum>(5)</enum><text>Emergency response protocols for placement, care, and transfer of children, which reduce the amount of time a child is in an emergency influx facility.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="idad0de41699ff4c56a2e996a5089cbfe4"><enum>(6)</enum><text>A clear organizational chart, reporting structure, and contact information.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="iddad63b7aa45b4621a22a01fac2a5730d"><enum>(7)</enum><text>A staffing plan that includes maintaining specified case manager-to-child ratios and a specified number of case manager visits with a child each week.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id78f8a2f752864c8cb965e23e9a351234"><enum>(8)</enum><text>A training plan for case managers that includes in-service coaching and individual support for a case manager’s first 30 days <italic></italic>as an employee of the entity.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id3c38475fecfa48d2b1d879afc9500844"><enum>(9)</enum><text>A written code of conduct that is—</text><subparagraph id="id5D54A14ACBDF4FD8A19644462DCE3E97"><enum>(A)</enum><text>distributed to all officers, employees, and volunteers; and </text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id1289BB88342F4FBCA46565AB2159F4D9"><enum>(B)</enum><text>contains clear boundaries for working with and around children.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="id34fd7fe2bcfc4a50ac928f1a7dcc2120"><enum>(10)</enum><text>Written ethical standards that are—</text><subparagraph id="id24BFFAE0C0A8412B8BA72E6204AC2DFA"><enum>(A)</enum><text>distributed to all officers, employees, and volunteers; and </text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id73B9FBC159A946DF9FDCAEC98AA5D48A"><enum>(B)</enum><text>based on accepted child welfare principles and best practices.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="id46eb49a9301f456b902f440a1e9c386c"><enum>(11)</enum><text>A written security plan to protect against unauthorized access to the influx facility and other potential threats. </text></paragraph><paragraph id="id54ba38680905467a88e8c54d8542863f"><enum>(12)</enum><text>Data systems that meet the data and quality standards described in section 602 for tracking children through intake, case management, transportation, and placement. </text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id779EB751613144CA9419614289D72B41"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Waiver</header><paragraph id="id91770F489359458E8B73260EDB1624AE"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>In the case of an influx facility, the Director may waive compliance with a standard or procedure under title II for a period of not more than 30 days. </text></paragraph><paragraph id="idC23865209D8B41E1B9EE7FEB94370AE8"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Notice to Congress</header><text>If the Director waives compliance with the requirement that an influx facility shall be licensed by the State in which it is located, the Director shall provide to Congress notice of such waiver, which shall include—</text><subparagraph id="id03C77B258FEA4A22BD10066994FD1BB5"><enum>(A)</enum><text>a justification for the waiver; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idC9121875E5B844B3A5F258104F649D8B"><enum>(B)</enum><clause commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="id6B0C401C61AF4AE1844A2D3F675123F1"><enum>(i)</enum><text>a plan for the influx facility to obtain such licensing; or </text></clause><clause indent="up1" id="id3393961277F6457CBCC7F9045A93B975"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>in the case of an influx facility that will be unable to obtain such licensing—</text><subclause id="id362DBA90FE7844F39BE054B835A51F60"><enum>(I)</enum><text>an explanation of the reason that—</text><item id="id452F564C033B4EF0A0135D6103B93AB8"><enum>(aa)</enum><text>licensing is not possible; and</text></item><item id="idA60E2A5B7EFC45BC9A50A3008E3E9F7D"><enum>(bb)</enum><text>the particular influx facility was chosen and remains operationally necessary.</text></item></subclause></clause></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id8a1a93a1678a43b2b6b1c0c778051bdc"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Reporting mechanisms</header><text>The Director shall establish clear procedures—</text><paragraph id="id6403F7EDF67A4742BE88F7970108CB12"><enum>(1)</enum><text>for unaccompanied noncitizen children at influx facilities to directly and confidentially report incidents of abuse or neglect at influx facilities to the Ombudsperson, consulates, and State authorities; and</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id4849EB3397034D65AB706BC083FD929D"><enum>(2)</enum><text>to allow State child protective services immediate access to any influx facility to investigate any such report.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id88B220E06E824E29BB8FE02E97FBE310"><enum>(f)</enum><header>Staffing</header><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id1123301E1C7F418F91838CAC85C80BF6"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Background checks</header><subparagraph id="id8369ae17bee44b2582e3e702091d1640"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Director shall ensure that a Federal Bureau of Investigation background check, and in any applicable State a child abuse or neglect check, has been conducted for each influx facility staff member who will have direct contact with unaccompanied noncitizen children.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id15fae67a462541d7b150bbd78999b853"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Timing of background checks</header><text>The background checks described in subparagraph (A) shall be completed before a staff member interacts with any unaccompanied noncitizen child at an influx facility.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id27c4f08a19944bdfb605f67db3a3f6b2"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Prohibition</header><text>The Director shall ensure than an entity with which the Director has contracted to operate an influx facility does not hire as staff of the influx facility any individual who has—</text><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id931C85A8CEB048D198A1FDFD2CC3C83C"><enum>(i)</enum><text>any conviction for child abuse or trafficking; or</text></clause><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id6286134E7D524D2385CA3F79E84629F1"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>a conviction that is less than 10 years old the underlying offense of which would have a substantial and direct effect on the safety of unaccompanied noncitizen children.</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id5466518346274B4CB694F7FADA00591C"><enum>(D)</enum><header>Submittal of evidence</header><text>Not later than the date on which an influx facility commences operation, the operator of the influx facility shall submit to the Director and the Ombudsperson evidence that background checks in accordance with this paragraph—</text><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id8D7509263CE745A6A0E8D3AD9C64181D"><enum>(i)</enum><text>have been completed for the relevant facility staff; and</text></clause><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idFEC898BEBBA64A9EAC117FF21579D76D"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>will be completed for all new hires going forward. </text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="id35fcd8347b0449d38c4282c036cc05e5"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Fluency in Spanish</header><text>Each staff member of an influx facility who will have contact with unaccompanied noncitizen children shall—</text><subparagraph id="id57A34F80EADB4D3C80A8E5FA5ADFFCE6"><enum>(A)</enum><text>be fluent in Spanish and English; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idA91E21DAAA7D49C6910D4A228E0FE9C2"><enum>(B)</enum><text>have experience in the care of children. </text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="id8ec964795b5743bc868731f22caecdeb"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Pediatric health specialists</header><text>An influx facility shall have onsite pediatric health specialists, including a pediatrician, licensed psychologist, or psychiatrist who is experienced in the care of children. </text></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idE57D44E1D611498495DC64D17189BDAC"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Ratios</header><text>Not later than 15 days after the date on which an influx facility commences operation, the Director shall ensure that the influx facility maintains staffing ratios as follows: </text><subparagraph id="id883252E08D3443C9B042772F8573FD4B"><enum>(A)</enum><text>During waking hours, not less than 1 on-duty youth care worker for every 8 unaccompanied noncitizen children.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id04A3B0D2B057441EBD661F3AE5461C0D"><enum>(B)</enum><text>During sleeping hours, not less than 1 on-duty youth care worker for every 16 unaccompanied noncitizen children. </text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection></section><section section-type="subsequent-section" id="idFF15903FEDEE40A0856904E28A8C0417"><enum>306.</enum><header>Monitoring and oversight</header><subsection id="idD434DCFBD1034CB9B1755BDDA329EE8E"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Site visits</header><paragraph id="id82C98020FC804304A5D57B9B7AEBA652"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Director</header><subparagraph id="id4B73A1D56D134E4B9C34318A7E2701E5"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Not less frequently than monthly during the period in which an influx facility is in operation, the Director shall conduct a comprehensive onsite monitoring visit. </text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idE3DBA12781654846B5F36BB80E45F3FA"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Elements</header><text>Each site visit conducted under subparagraph (A) shall include—</text><clause id="id0516393B704E427DA2624F29A040AF13"><enum>(i)</enum><text>an evaluation of the compliance of the influx facility with—</text><subclause id="idE0593490867748218BDC3BBE8438BB49"><enum>(I)</enum><text>the standards and procedures under title II; and</text></subclause><subclause id="id63D52C4B60B743DCBB9D13EBF4E8F373"><enum>(II)</enum><text>the facility standards under the Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/34/30301">34 U.S.C. 30301 et seq.</external-xref>);</text></subclause></clause><clause id="idE843A9FF763141309135349194AB5237"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>an assessment of the delivery of, and unaccompanied noncitizen children's access to, health care and mental health care services;</text></clause><clause id="id9F7824538EB5456CA83A3204E774BE4F"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>an assessment of unaccompanied noncitizen children's access to counsel and legal services; and</text></clause><clause id="id99076D00C8774536ABF33CB9C6172CAC"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>private, confidential interviews with unaccompanied noncitizen children housed in the influx facility.</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id7DA1EBA6678E4AE8A8B0EC67360F1741"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Inspector General</header><text>The Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services may conduct unscheduled visits to any influx facility, during which the Inspector General may meet confidentially with any unaccompanied noncitizen child housed in the influx facility. </text></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id242C1C61FFE243DB9D69EF6F1A6F9748"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Ombudsperson</header><text>Not less frequently than monthly during the period in which an influx facility is in operation, the Ombudsperson shall conduct a comprehensive onsite visit to monitor for compliance with applicable Federal and State law (including regulations), including—</text><subparagraph id="id36ef0098012f41e0be94fc5f2b1d6ad3"><enum>(A)</enum><text>the Flores settlement agreement;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id837aed1f2013423e9670e0d0a1411cfd"><enum>(B)</enum><text>section 235 of the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/8/1232">8 U.S.C. 1232</external-xref>); and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id250a81341fe8406e8173dd534f962292"><enum>(C)</enum><text>this Act.</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="idba331b5642be4d039b15844669b42a6f"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Tours by approved stakeholders</header><text>Not less frequently than monthly during the period in which an influx facility is in operation, the Director shall allow approved stakeholders, including representatives from nonprofit organizations serving or advocating on behalf of unaccompanied noncitizen children, to tour the influx facility.</text></subsection></section><enum>IV</enum><header>Legal representation for unaccompanied noncitizen children</header><section section-type="subsequent-section" id="idA5B90AACB697429FB8CB62069BF88F4D"><enum>401.</enum><header>Legal orientation presentations and legal screenings</header><subsection id="id3AC78A1416BE48459ECCCDD02FC2C4B6"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Not later than 10 days after transfer to the custody of the Secretary, an unaccompanied noncitizen child shall receive a free legal orientation presentation and legal screening conducted by a legal services provider, which shall include information relating to—</text><paragraph id="id768636512A4F45AC83561C90EE19F3A3"><enum>(1)</enum><text>the right to apply for relief from removal;</text></paragraph><paragraph id="idB90EF3A9837F40A2ADBC128C4035EA76"><enum>(2)</enum><text>the right to request voluntary departure in lieu of removal; and</text></paragraph><paragraph id="idB9A88633D6F746EEA54A881B4D818280"><enum>(3)</enum><text>the right to a hearing before an immigration judge.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="idBBE9A5C1CE904F158E38C4A4919B819E"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Prioritization before release</header><paragraph id="id2c57964c4c3141208b5416039ababa8a"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Director shall make affirmative, thorough, and timely efforts to ensure that each unaccompanied noncitizen child receives a presentation and screening described in subsection (a) before release, and in the case of any unaccompanied noncitizen child who does not receive such presentation and screening before release, the Director shall ensure that the child receives the presentation and screening on release.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="idD0AE8B102B27494582731C965991676C"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Rule of construction</header><text>Nothing in this section may be construed to prohibit the release of an unaccompanied noncitizen child to a sponsor based solely on not having received such a presentation and screening.</text></paragraph></subsection></section><section id="ide8c6045eb47c4cd6951314d1cc55ebe2"><enum>402.</enum><header>Legal representation</header><subsection id="idcbaf39fd9b1543a092bc1f5d6b1da747"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Each unaccompanied noncitizen child in the custody of the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall be represented by counsel appointed or provided by the Secretary, at Government expense, unless the child has obtained, at his or her own expense, counsel authorized to practice in immigration proceedings.</text></subsection><subsection id="id41AEEC67D4194A8E94F710B487F8EF91"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Procedure</header><text>Representation under subsection (a) shall—</text><paragraph id="id97CC75474A8143D2B3C28FD1B56B7775"><enum>(1)</enum><text>be appointed or provided by the Secretary as expeditiously as possible; </text></paragraph><paragraph id="id3582E15D02A6400AB7C1D0B96A2C35C9"><enum>(2)</enum><text>extend through every stage of removal proceedings, from the child’s initial appearance through the termination of immigration proceedings; and </text></paragraph><paragraph id="id6a8010a269124c3fbccc62e47ba8cfea"><enum>(3)</enum><text>include any ancillary matter appropriate to such proceedings (including, to the extent practicable and as appropriate, an application for employment authorization), even if the child attains 18 years of age or is reunified with a parent or legal guardian while the proceedings are pending. </text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="ideda56557977748be87529a9063da0cc4"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Private, confidential meeting space</header><text>The Director shall ensure that unaccompanied noncitizen children are provided access to a private, confidential space to meet with legal services providers and a private, confidential telephone line to contact their legal counsel or legal services providers at the expense of the government.</text></subsection><subsection id="id8bcbc16680cf4de9aca2ba46ac64ded0"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Contact with legal counsel</header><text>An unaccompanied noncitizen child shall be permitted to call or meet with his or her legal counsel or legal services provider at any time.</text></subsection><subsection id="idF36C153333894E10823153C76F9EC404"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Authorization of appropriations</header><paragraph id="id55A15008149E4D3BBC99D5870041928A"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section. </text></paragraph><paragraph id="id063CDDCF1024440CA0AFA3DFF01F0852"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Funding</header><text>Amounts made available under this section shall be maintained separately from amounts designated for childcare facilities.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="idC036DC8CAD9B40EEA7B3F7C75928EE87"><enum>(f)</enum><header>Scope of representation</header><text>Government-appointed counsel appointed or provided by the Secretary under this section may provide to an unaccompanied noncitizen child the full scope of representation, including representation in—</text><paragraph id="id692751B64681486B9EC0038BF8D4A692"><enum>(1)</enum><text>any matter relevant to the child’s well-being, including conditions of detention and matters relating to medical and mental health services and medication;</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id32A80FFC08164B298AF05BC6F59565F3"><enum>(2)</enum><text>placement review hearings; </text></paragraph><paragraph id="id9B03CF101D2D40989CABE2D36FFA208A"><enum>(3)</enum><text>sponsorship hearings; and</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id8F9F963AE7AE48D4868F7F19C2E7FBFF"><enum>(4)</enum><text>any other matter relating to immigration.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="idD17B1C86340A4B889C077945746FABF9"><enum>(g)</enum><header>Cooperation of Office of Refugee Resettlement required</header><paragraph id="id4ABF9D773686491A9871AC79E05EEC0F"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Director shall ensure that the legal counsel of an unaccompanied noncitizen child has access to prompt, reasonable, and regular direct communication with case managers, case coordinators, and Federal field specialists overseeing the child's placement, release, family reunification, transfer, and medical and mental health services.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="idc5f98a704cd94ece845de7f10041212f"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Requests by counsel for information</header><text>On request by the legal counsel or the independent legal services provider of an unaccompanied noncitizen child, the Director shall provide, not later than 7 days after the date on which the request is made, the following:</text><subparagraph id="ida002e66cef35421c902ceaa6fda82a1f"><enum>(A)</enum><text>The names and telephone numbers of all prospective sponsors of the unaccompanied noncitizen child concerned.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id63aea6cc91db439ab370db43c0be2c8e"><enum>(B)</enum><text>A copy of the complete Office of Refugee Resettlement case file and records of the unaccompanied noncitizen child concerned. </text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection></section><enum>V</enum><header>Appointment of child advocates and improvements to immigration courts</header><section section-type="subsequent-section" id="idAEE38A6F6A78416B83CAEA210873E9CD"><enum>501.</enum><header>Appointment of child advocates</header><subsection id="id5DC2AD4C752B45DF9DBAA83B36051A2B"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Secretary shall appoint independent child advocates to unaccompanied noncitizen children, including—</text><paragraph id="id82B3841C813C41AE987AAA2000EA0547"><enum>(1)</enum><text>each vulnerable unaccompanied noncitizen child in the custody of the Secretary; and </text></paragraph><paragraph id="id86000C62F799471598E1929F784A5810"><enum>(2)</enum><text>each vulnerable unaccompanied noncitizen child who has been released from such custody. </text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id9459E22FCAE341DA807C7245FCA76041"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Expansion of child advocate services</header><paragraph id="id2998874018a8483facb089f67076cdc0"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Secretary shall increase funding for child advocate services to facilitate the expansion, by not later than the date that is 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, of the provision of such services to all locations at which—</text><subparagraph id="id4BDB002D7F534DBAAA9C647867B4BACA"><enum>(A)</enum><text>unaccompanied noncitizen children in the custody of the Secretary are housed; or</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id3B330F7587C04CA0853C15F8AAA4C335"><enum>(B)</enum><text>unaccompanied noncitizen children appear before immigration courts for removal proceedings. </text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="id04A6C779A56740DA85E403D0FC5AE655"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Prioritization</header><text>In expanding services under this subsection, the Secretary shall prioritize locations that have the highest numbers of unaccompanied noncitizen children in the custody of the Secretary and unaccompanied noncitizen children appearing before immigration courts.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id7686CCD5B86949D5891FB37E78146F2A"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Access to records</header><subparagraph id="id7E662D1D62B9455F924D739830660D28"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>A child advocate appointed under this section shall have timely access to all materials necessary to effectively advocate for the best interests of the unaccompanied noncitizen child concerned, including the child's complete Office of Refugee Resettlement case file and records. </text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idB5A7F1AF462A4FF681AD8F1C466ED4FD"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Request</header><text>On request by such a child advocate, the Director shall provide a complete copy of an unaccompanied noncitizen child's Office of Refugee Resettlement case file and records not later than 72 hours after the request is made.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="idA33B246DAB744B4AB481FA0B659974EC"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Best interest recommendations</header><text>A child advocate appointed under this section shall submit a best interest recommendation based on law, policy, medical or behavioral health, and relevant social science research to any Federal or State agency making a decision with respect to the best interests of an unaccompanied noncitizen child, including—</text><subparagraph id="id0EDC7ED277714856BB4C7D95015FDADA"><enum>(A)</enum><text>the Department of Health and Human Services;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idFCDEED7E66C74F9A882FF318BC834902"><enum>(B)</enum><text>the Department of Justice;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id2ECA16ED6E264F46873CC1A39EB3393E"><enum>(C)</enum><text>the Department of Homeland Security; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id6641D45F2BA64D7E94BD20B2D4799A5C"><enum>(D)</enum><text>a Federal, State, or Tribal court. </text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="idD71627516C9947A79FB621FF6A4CD9F5"><enum>(5)</enum><header>Confidentiality</header><text>All communications between child advocates appointed under this section and unaccompanied noncitizen children shall be confidential, and such a child advocate may not be compelled to testify or provide evidence, in any proceeding, with respect to any information or opinion conveyed to the child advocate by an unaccompanied noncitizen child in the course of serving as child advocate.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id04717A4D29AC467887EBD33AB0FA19AF"><enum>(6)</enum><header>Legal support</header><text>The Secretary shall ensure that each location at which child advocate services are provided under this section is staffed with 1 or more attorneys who have expertise in immigration law and child welfare law.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id6CF37F606935422DB45E2FF873A5F9D3"><enum>(7)</enum><header>Authorization of appropriations</header><text>There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this subsection.</text></paragraph></subsection></section><section id="idA18B96DF76BE4D7A93A477AEA3A47ED9"><enum>502.</enum><header>Immigration court improvements</header><subsection id="idDC4485A3B0F54D4480BE1D121A01B8E6"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Hiring of immigration judges</header><paragraph id="idA90E395680234FCBA991F35C85AB2786"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>To adjudicate pending cases and efficiently process future cases, the Attorney General shall increase the total number of immigration judges by not fewer than 75 judges during fiscal year 2025.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="idF87BB6E956B64A1F9B0B079CA450F2BF"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Qualifications</header><text>The Attorney General shall ensure that each immigration judge hired under this subsection—</text><subparagraph id="id0D919D191D2A411A80A348918E195777"><enum>(A)</enum><text>is highly qualified; </text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id18260898CD0E49AF9C3C6A8B2134A8B9"><enum>(B)</enum><text>has substantial experience in the field of immigration law; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idF96780121FD742B2B5F7484E706A3BA6"><enum>(C)</enum><text>is trained to conduct fair and impartial hearings in accordance with applicable due process requirements.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="idE5A9C755981948259E304F60CB228FC7"><enum>(3)</enum><header>No preference for candidates with prior service in the Federal Government</header><text>In selecting immigration judges under this subsection, the Attorney General may not assign any preference to a candidate who has prior service in the Federal Government over a candidate who has equivalent subject matter expertise based on experience in a nonprofit organization, private practice, or academia, but does not have previous Federal service.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="idDC262641DBE44F239C6AD7AC8B3AF1A3"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Immigration court staff</header><text>During fiscal year 2025, the Attorney General shall—</text><paragraph id="idE0F39FB55F51471BAA69A3190F27564B"><enum>(1)</enum><text>increase the total number of judicial law clerks at the Executive Office for Immigration Review by 75; and</text></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idE8DA961506554EC0940BCD00C6D16880"><enum>(2)</enum><text>increase the total number of support staff for immigration judges, including legal assistants and interpreters, by 300.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id10cc45c07271415798706bb22481a209"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Support staff; other resources</header><text>The Attorney General shall ensure that the Executive Office for Immigration Review has sufficient support staff, adequate technological and security resources, and appropriate facilities to conduct the immigration proceedings required under Federal law.</text></subsection><subsection id="id6d5f22a83f184193bd5cf446040b3ac0"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Limitation</header><text>Amounts appropriated for the Executive Office for Immigration Review or for any other division, activity, or function of the Department of Justice may not be used to implement numeric case load judicial performance standards or other standards that could negatively impact the fair administration of justice by the immigration courts.</text></subsection><subsection id="id48d4ab317f4544048d223e2713de8ece"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Docket management for resource conservation</header><text>Notwithstanding any opposition from the Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General, immigration judges shall administratively close or terminate cases, and the Board of Immigration Appeals shall remand cases for administrative closure, if an individual in removal proceedings— </text><paragraph id="id0c9a96f2a2944d959332a87c44c8e33e"><enum>(1)</enum><text>appears to be prima facie eligible for a visa or any other immigration benefit; and</text></paragraph><paragraph id="idb0a303b451ac4322bcbffe5d8a9d60cb"><enum>(2)</enum><text>has a pending application for such benefit before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services or any other applicable Federal agency.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id57585A0BBEC345679D8BE5943265D231"><enum>(f)</enum><header>Authorization of appropriations</header><text>There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section.</text></subsection></section><enum>VI</enum><header>Oversight, monitoring, and enforcement</header><section section-type="subsequent-section" id="idC5CC04C656AF486E9AE1E112A705F134"><enum>601.</enum><header>Office of the Ombudsperson for Unaccompanied Noncitizen Children in Immigration Custody</header><subsection id="id37f2f1f29dd3496e9b65d5fda0921fcc"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Establishment</header><text>There is established within the Department of Health and Human Services an Office of the Ombudsperson for Unaccompanied Noncitizen Children (referred to in this section as the <quote>Office</quote>) to monitor and oversee compliance with this Act and the amendments made by this Act.</text></subsection><subsection id="idE1AC8302944445DD85E5B331DD3B5FB2"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Independence</header><text>The Office shall be an impartial, confidential resource that is fully independent of— </text><paragraph id="ida138c5f6d56c46c896e4c4b0cd69db67"><enum>(1)</enum><text>the Office of Refugee Resettlement; and </text></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idD4C75BEA3FEC44288D88E7C0B3A0E080"><enum>(2)</enum><text>the Department of Homeland Security.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idA85B995B7E2D420C991129F7DC7D1500"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Ombudsperson</header><paragraph id="id0788FB28E2264F5D8E5D8413D1A0AD9B"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Office shall be headed by an Ombudsperson, who shall be appointed by, and report directly to, the Secretary.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id3816DC82A21345E181F7CB5785663693"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Recommendations from stakeholders</header><text>Before making an appointment under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall solicit and consider candidate recommendations from organizations that provide legal services to, and advocate on behalf of, immigrant children.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id8069BE993EA047BFA5D921DE9968EC9F"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Limitation on certain former employees</header><text>The Secretary may not appoint as Ombudsperson any individual who, during the 2-year period preceding the date of appointment, was an employee of the Office of Refugee Resettlement or the Department of Homeland Security.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="idE9409AE3183446F18F0072E6AE3C6E0B"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Term</header><subparagraph id="idAA3A42CC84A04BE8BD1F523745CA22E9"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Subject to subparagraph (C), the term of an Ombudsperson appointed under this subsection shall be not more than 4 years.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idB3C04EC4D0BF4927AB3FCECD5998727B"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Consecutive terms</header><text>An Ombudsperson may be appointed for consecutive terms.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id0F44E69BAC4A4FCBA6F938691F1203B6"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Expiration</header><text>The term of an Ombudsperson shall not expire before the date on which the Ombudsperson's successor is appointed.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="id247B40B984E94133B10E47EB7C520E1A"><enum>(5)</enum><header>Removal for cause</header><text>The Secretary may only remove or suspend an Ombudsperson for neglect of duty or gross misconduct.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="idE32622E43DE94EC6BF849FCE2410B135"><enum>(6)</enum><header>Duties and authorities</header><subparagraph id="id9198A01AF72F42A6B2960ED3220280E6"><enum>(A)</enum><header>Regional offices</header><clause id="id253E6F1F0FFE434AA14A04059BD02C3F"><enum>(i)</enum><header>Establishment</header><text>The Ombudsperson shall establish not fewer than 7 regional offices of the Office—</text><subclause id="idEA72FBF7667F4316AB38E202FBF5A689"><enum>(I)</enum><text>to strengthen State oversight;</text></subclause><subclause id="id3335351AB1FA4E97BD078975FD36F90B"><enum>(II)</enum><text>to investigate complaints;</text></subclause><subclause id="id3997C7DFFDCD4C479B67288A0BF18DD1"><enum>(III)</enum><text>to coordinate with State licensing entities; and </text></subclause><subclause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idF73229C3489740D8B67EFBBE99EB375C"><enum>(IV)</enum><text>to identify and address differences among State child protection laws. </text></subclause></clause><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idDDD50845E0964E39AC37F851F353595B"><enum>(ii)</enum><header>Locations</header><subclause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id2467C6EE211A452CA5451F7EDA50FF35"><enum>(I)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The regional offices required under clause (i) shall be established in the following locations:</text><item commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id613BF41A01AF4B3FAF25FB10140B038D"><enum>(aa)</enum><text>1 regional office in Texas.</text></item><item commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id9B1455AA074249D8997F5F3153882515"><enum>(bb)</enum><text>1 regional office in Arizona.</text></item><item commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id01E64F25DFCD4CBE8AA60ED9B12ACABC"><enum>(cc)</enum><text>1 regional office in California or a State in the Northwest.</text></item><item commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id197E8D592E4A470CB9BBD5ADCC00E2DC"><enum>(dd)</enum><text>1 regional office in a State in the Midwest.</text></item><item commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id3CDF44A4751C43B2BAEC0071345B58E1"><enum>(ee)</enum><text>1 regional office in a State in the Mid-Atlantic.</text></item><item commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idB16FA0F7F12C4193A7C27777CFBCCD02"><enum>(ff)</enum><text>1 regional office in a State in the Northeast.</text></item><item commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idF806E144DA484AC5B9CD63F04BD6B6F9"><enum>(gg)</enum><text>1 regional office in a State in the Southeast.</text></item></subclause><subclause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id18351A841D5D42DB849E3D64C89CB976"><enum>(II)</enum><header>Additional locations</header><text>The Ombudsperson may make a recommendation to the Secretary with respect to the location of any additional regional office.</text></subclause></clause><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id37C76545665B40DA8AFD5A8B2B526717"><enum>(iii)</enum><header>Appointment of deputies</header><text>The Ombudsperson shall appoint a full-time deputy for each regional office, who shall serve at the Ombudsperson's discretion.</text></clause><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id3AAA8BC77B10491CB530570EAE998E49"><enum>(iv)</enum><header>Applicability of other provisions</header><text>The regional offices established under this subparagraph shall have the same access to facilities and records, maintain the same rights, roles, and responsibilities, and be subject to the same confidentiality requirements as the Office.</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id935729923AE14741AC259CD5DC6C3C0D"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Hiring</header><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id4233808710EE4D4CB90ADC7E8D039B19"><enum>(i)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Ombudsperson shall hire to carry out the functions of the Office necessary personnel, including clerical personnel, who shall serve at the discretion of the Ombudsperson.</text></clause><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idB74E9AFEC5E2486F9DC9A76F514C90EA"><enum>(ii)</enum><header>Subject matter experts</header><text>The personnel hired under clause (i) shall include relevant subject matter experts, including—</text><subclause id="idfe09677fcd12490da31763ffd93bb14b"><enum>(I)</enum><text>legal advocates or specialists in the fields of child and family welfare, immigration, and human rights; </text></subclause><subclause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id7DC66895602C470084CAF414C22A63B0"><enum>(II)</enum><text>pediatricians;</text></subclause><subclause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idB9C178CDB6D6495BA987D28DEF5EC146"><enum>(III)</enum><text>child and adolescent psychiatrists and psychologists;</text></subclause><subclause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id1C3D7F1A83AF45989DD8EE8BA3531E10"><enum>(IV)</enum><text>social workers;</text></subclause><subclause id="ideb0dfc71df674922b07ad3caf7e6b830"><enum>(V)</enum><text>data analysts with demonstrable expertise in child welfare or immigration; and</text></subclause><subclause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id639954574BA7470884F4DCC5283FC05E"><enum>(VI)</enum><text>youth or young adults with experience as noncitizen children in immigration custody.</text></subclause></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idCC8F96D6FBE7454685C3C2B21FA9C343"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Monitoring</header><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id9E7A7D43B4ED4B3BAD9C9577812971FC"><enum>(i)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Ombudsperson shall monitor, including by making site visits, for compliance with all applicable law and standards relating to noncitizen children in immigration custody.</text></clause><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idF2978B4E6E864377BED0BEE74EB962F1"><enum>(ii)</enum><header>Influx facilities</header><text>The Ombudsperson shall conduct site visits of influx facilities, as described in section 306.</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id496AB94D5BE54372A8CB6793F01156B1"><enum>(D)</enum><header>Investigations</header><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id460262627E5342B2B7F648A2C1AA45DA"><enum>(i)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Ombudsperson—</text><subclause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id47EB528BACF342AABAF75535727FC425"><enum>(I)</enum><text>may conduct any investigation relating to noncitizen children in immigration custody the Ombudsperson considers necessary; and </text></subclause><subclause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idD36126044383445FBFB1EB4FD2778F1B"><enum>(II)</enum><text>shall investigate—</text><item commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id0FF30C462DF8497B87699B60C2A18C54"><enum>(aa)</enum><text>claims of abuse, neglect, or mistreatment of noncitizen children by the Government or any other entity while in immigration custody; and</text></item><item commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id797B12A4CFDB4BF6A16C4244B6AAE512"><enum>(bb)</enum><text>complaints made against foster care providers, including in the case of such a provider that is subject to State oversight.</text></item></subclause></clause><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idF24CE441DFB54312845C0907B068E398"><enum>(ii)</enum><header>Timeline</header><text>The Ombudsperson shall commence an investigation under clause (i)(II) not later than 30 days after the date on which a claim or complaint described in that clause is received.</text></clause><clause id="id76575D7DAE424E449C9A41244596CEF1"><enum>(iii)</enum><header>Reporting of State licensing violations</header><text>If in the course of an investigation under clause (i)(II)(bb) the Ombudsperson discovers a State licensing violation, the Ombudsperson shall report the violation to the child welfare licensing agency of the applicable State.</text></clause><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idF86DA87E58494BAAAC07E0FC8C6390BC"><enum>(iv)</enum><header>Procedures</header><text>The Ombudsperson shall establish a procedure for conducting investigations, receiving and processing complaints, and reporting findings.</text></clause><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id89BB34B7E1EB45D0AF6E51C95D0ABB9A"><enum>(v)</enum><header>Notification</header><subclause id="id780bc9c58b5f414c98e36a2104e61610"><enum>(I)</enum><header>Commencement of investigation</header><text>If the Ombudsperson decides to commence an investigation based on a complaint received, not later than 45 days after the date on which the investigation commences, the Ombudsperson shall so notify the complainant.</text></subclause><subclause id="idc463f9f1d2da47288dd4e55e8ff09e3b"><enum>(II)</enum><header>Decision not to investigate or to discontinue investigation</header><text>If the Ombudsperson decides not to investigate a complaint or to discontinue an investigation commenced under this subparagraph, not later than 45 days after the date on which such an action is taken, the Ombudsperson shall notify the complainant and provide a reason for such action.</text></subclause><subclause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id512F4D818CCB43828AA80A6F631F5223"><enum>(III)</enum><header>Progress and results</header><text>The Ombudsperson shall provide a complainant with updates on the progress of an investigation and shall notify the complainant of the results of the investigation. </text></subclause></clause><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id6CE8D0A6514C474989601A1E089AE2E9"><enum>(vi)</enum><header>Confidentiality</header><subclause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id5B44BAAF150C43F2A1DF29DC6BC2396D"><enum>(I)</enum><header>In general</header><text>All information obtained by the Ombudsperson from a complaint shall be confidential under applicable Federal and State confidentiality law, regardless of whether the Ombudsperson—</text><item commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id343695EE53D94D94AA8D8414AB68C3C6"><enum>(aa)</enum><text>investigates the complaint;</text></item><item commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id8D2FD23184B34379A03451AFEDC4B0FE"><enum>(bb)</enum><text>refers the complaint to any other entity for investigation; or</text></item><item commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idC69D01325C7A4939804741E6B85F2036"><enum>(cc)</enum><text>determines that the complaint is not a proper subject for an investigation.</text></item></subclause><subclause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id669A29B87A484C3493BF62BA8CD63B36"><enum>(II)</enum><header>Disclosure</header><text>Disclosure of any such information may only occur as necessary to carry out the mission of the Office and as permitted by law.</text></subclause></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id41b92fb3adcd4ba889cbaef706931399"><enum>(E)</enum><header>Reporting mechanisms</header><clause id="idDE059CD4B79C402AAC6C7583C6CB0C3D"><enum>(i)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Ombudsperson shall establish and maintain—</text><subclause id="idcc9029bc9d58486596745f5fe9d38935"><enum>(I)</enum><text>a public toll-free telephone number to receive complaints and reports of matters for investigation; and</text></subclause><subclause id="idd42ac29c2d144e7584159f9c1ebdc23b"><enum>(II)</enum><text>a public email address to receive complaints, such reports, and requests for review of placement and sponsorship decisions.</text></subclause></clause><clause id="id7f725894558b4a74996da717dd3cbd89"><enum>(ii)</enum><header>Availability</header><subclause id="idad42b157cb7244f5a7d85bdd6b993c41"><enum>(I)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Ombudsperson shall ensure that such telephone number and email address—</text><item id="id4d1f0664fb254d039fdb6f7f46366961"><enum>(aa)</enum><text>are made available, and a telephone is accessible, to all children in immigration custody; and</text></item><item id="id970a4ce5895641159ec3c89c4ec3b6c3"><enum>(bb)</enum><text>are made available to prospective sponsors, sponsors, Flores settlement agreement class counsel, and legal services providers and child advocates who serve such noncitizen children. </text></item></subclause><subclause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idE0D3435077214762942B84CCF2931DC3"><enum>(II)</enum><header>Sponsorship applications</header><text>The Director shall provide such telephone number and email address to the prospective sponsor of each unaccompanied noncitizen child.</text></subclause></clause><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idDC8A0996E71045ED921B4AE0658A1323"><enum>(iii)</enum><header>Language access</header><subclause id="id51450fc4399741e0ac9cf87c64f70347"><enum>(I)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Such telephone number and email address shall be posted in public areas of each facility or placement in which 1 or more children in immigration custody are held, in multiple languages, including the top 20 preferred languages.</text></subclause><subclause id="idACB89C72CF4E43AFBF385221D10E2199"><enum>(II)</enum><header>Additional languages</header><text>The Ombudsperson may require that such contact information be made available and posted in any additional language the Ombudsperson considers necessary based on the demographics of arriving noncitizen children.</text></subclause></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idE3EC88CB6D954C6890088C60240FB693"><enum>(F)</enum><header>Hearings</header><text>The Ombudsperson may hold public hearings as the Ombudsperson considers necessary.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id6847B798E8ED4A1A865443D7766AEE9A"><enum>(G)</enum><header>Individual case assistance and review</header><clause id="id3829237A0EE24A2DA9757B830CD2D02B"><enum>(i)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Ombudsperson may offer individual case assistance for noncitizen children in immigration custody.</text></clause><clause id="ida56ab761c8d64f14ab4b0cc5951ce098"><enum>(ii)</enum><header>Communication with others</header><text>In providing such individual case assistance, the Ombudsperson may speak with a noncitizen child’s prospective sponsor, family members, child advocate, legal counsel, case manager, case coordinator, and Office of Refugee Resettlement Federal field specialist staffing the noncitizen child’s case, as applicable. </text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id91872B9ABEEB4DA59F73F016EAFDAF68"><enum>(H)</enum><header>Stakeholder meetings</header><clause id="id5367BC576CC34E22B35DD98D92E563C3"><enum>(i)</enum><header>Community stakeholders</header><text>Not less frequently than quarterly, the Ombudsperson shall invite community stakeholders, including attorneys who represent noncitizen children in immigration custody, to participate in a meeting. </text></clause><clause id="id4c334169668a41a29abe81e7e9163b7e"><enum>(ii)</enum><header>Data tracking personnel</header><text>Not less frequently than quarterly, the Ombudsperson shall invite personnel of the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Health and Human Services who manage the data tracking systems described in section 602 to participate in a meeting for the purpose of informing the Ombudsperson with respect to the efficacy and responsiveness of the system with empirical data, analysis, and data needs. </text></clause><clause id="idF5905362486C4542AC35F35658EB4D6F"><enum>(iii)</enum><header>Additional meetings</header><text>The Ombudsperson may convene additional meetings at any time, as the Ombudsperson considers necessary.</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id3B158E58E9EA45999888A7D9388C4D56"><enum>(I)</enum><header>Reporting</header><clause id="id059654B030514BFFAC5F1A2EF6B0A289"><enum>(i)</enum><header>Annual public report</header><subclause id="idBD8EC0FA47EF458190CA34E983B28957"><enum>(I)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Not less frequently than annually, the Ombudsperson shall issue a public report on the implementation of and compliance with this Act and the amendments made by this Act, by the Secretary and the Secretary of Homeland Security. </text></subclause><subclause id="id6704743429984D2FA8CDD7F83F9A0E37"><enum>(II)</enum><header>Elements</header><text>Each report under subclause (I) shall include the following:</text><item id="id560B2AD5BA564EF98C903EF609F3320F"><enum>(aa)</enum><text>For the preceding fiscal year, the accomplishments and challenges relating to such implementation and compliance. </text></item><item id="idDD7A864C9276483F83E31FF0D0FD83DF"><enum>(bb)</enum><text>A summary of complaints made and investigations carried out during the preceding fiscal year, including—</text><subitem id="id37CF9D36F2C2419E8912291E39EDC9E9"><enum>(AA)</enum><text>the number of complaints and number and nature of other contacts; </text></subitem><subitem id="idAB9FF0D70DD64CB7A6A33361568E8FFE"><enum>(BB)</enum><text>the number of complaints made, including the type and source; </text></subitem><subitem id="idF2DE4CC8E0F942D78EDA434C2F0C1337"><enum>(CC)</enum><text>the number of investigations carried out;</text></subitem><subitem id="idEC1C51AE40F2415D917ADC6E1C747D86"><enum>(DD)</enum><text>the trends and issues that arose in the course of investigating complaints; and</text></subitem><subitem id="id5D31575924054689B40C9C422AC7ADC6"><enum>(EE)</enum><text>the number of pending complaints.</text></subitem></item><item id="idAFA37C0E000B4561A0E69E8B46C2CD57"><enum>(cc)</enum><text>For the preceding fiscal year, a summary of—</text><subitem id="idC53FE6C20581434CB762E4FB43618AD1"><enum>(AA)</enum><text>each site visit conducted;</text></subitem><subitem id="id0C90EEEF2A624E15A34ECC3C32156A33"><enum>(BB)</enum><text>any interview with a noncitizen child or facility staff;</text></subitem><subitem id="id89A340D6539D4DBD915631DAACE620B0"><enum>(CC)</enum><text>facility audits and corrective actions taken or recommended;</text></subitem><subitem id="idE82A40F165F0472283B5EDBABD73EBD9"><enum>(DD)</enum><text>appeals made to the Ombudsperson; and</text></subitem><subitem id="id214F37CAE9A045B4A245B310B451338A"><enum>(EE)</enum><text>any other information the Ombudsperson considers relevant.</text></subitem></item><item id="idE3115AD96BB8496F847095C052A70EAB"><enum>(dd)</enum><text>A detailed analysis of the data collected under section 602.</text></item><item id="id186542F48BAF40A1BB00AA170D40EDEF"><enum>(ee)</enum><text>Recommendations—</text><subitem id="id2C542D32387A45B4B55A1F1FD4D0CCC7"><enum>(AA)</enum><text>for improving implementation and compliance with this Act and the amendments made by this Act; and </text></subitem><subitem id="id4A2243B421464152B558C2FD1640DB22"><enum>(BB)</enum><text>as to whether the Director should renew or cancel contracts with particular Office of Refugee Resettlement grantees. </text></subitem></item><item id="id5C459CC7E4A44219B7CE0F2E8A489DDB"><enum>(ff)</enum><text>A description of the priorities for the subsequent fiscal year. </text></item></subclause></clause><clause id="id8E2576B66DDB488299CDB50CCF255416"><enum>(ii)</enum><header>Report on training materials</header><text>The Ombudsperson shall issue a public report on the training materials developed by the Director under section 203(d)(4) that includes a description of any concerns the Ombudsperson has with respect to the materials. </text></clause><clause id="id234C7594D7DB420685863FFF71133A6D"><enum>(iii)</enum><header>Additional reports</header><text>The Ombudsperson may issue additional reports at any time, including data analyses and findings, as the Ombudsperson considers necessary. </text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id313BCC0E34A647D4B46C9E7F03307819"><enum>(J)</enum><header>Information gathering</header><clause id="idA47E4C8A33A74CB78949677B2BA406F1"><enum>(i)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Ombudsperson may submit to the Director, the Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the juvenile coordinators of U.S. Customs and Border Protection requests for information with respect to the implementation of this Act.</text></clause><clause id="id7CFE46EE70704FAA884C776354F53B04"><enum>(ii)</enum><header>Response required</header><text>Not later than 30 days after the date on which a juvenile coordinator receives a request for information under clause (i), the juvenile coordinator shall submit a detailed response to the Ombudsperson, the Director, the Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection.</text></clause><clause id="id4095F0AF61494B608DAB95C7460F9735"><enum>(iii)</enum><header>Cooperation required</header><text>The Secretary and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall—</text><subclause id="id7296367DB692412DAE1F184C964B4019"><enum>(I)</enum><text>cooperate with any request for information by the Ombudsperson; and </text></subclause><subclause id="idEA791745236D4A0999526227301B1725"><enum>(II)</enum><text>report to the Ombudsperson any policy or instruction issued to employees regarding the implementation of this Act. </text></subclause></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id8E1925AA2CA745DD808575F66D05D705"><enum>(K)</enum><header>Subpoena authority</header><clause id="id7AD7CE701D9D49B3A094810AEA2FCA56"><enum>(i)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Ombudsperson may—</text><subclause id="idD3D1864F20144369B47A942326A69A4F"><enum>(I)</enum><text>issue a subpoena to require the production of all information, reports, and other documentary evidence necessary to carry out the duties of the Ombudsperson; and </text></subclause><subclause id="id8EF09E1516BF4B6AA1E25C8EAFEF5272"><enum>(II)</enum><text>compel by subpoena, at a specified time and place—</text><item id="id3EF220B6CCD24FAA986CFBD9C9E12335"><enum>(aa)</enum><text>the appearance and sworn testimony of an individual who the Ombudsperson reasonably believes may be able to provide information relating to a matter under investigation; and</text></item><item id="idAFC911CB4686472D9B7FBA89BC83C949"><enum>(bb)</enum><text>the production by an individual of a record of an object that the Ombudsperson reasonably believes may relate to a matter under investigation.</text></item></subclause></clause><clause id="id225360A967EF4A67898873F3B3838B2C"><enum>(ii)</enum><header>Effect of failure to comply</header><text>In the case of an individual who fails to comply with a subpoena issued under this subparagraph, the Ombudsperson may commence a civil action in an appropriate court.</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" id="id9F24C32C538B45ABA886A2FFE1638314"><enum>(L)</enum><header>Additional duties</header><text>The Ombudsperson shall—</text><clause commented="no" id="idF8A1453014CE4762B1373C84F3F36591"><enum>(i)</enum><text>develop notices of rights, as described in sections 105(d)(5) and 202;</text></clause><clause commented="no" id="id625815D2E2634881AEF84E2CBC3DF0D0"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>review training materials, as described in section 203(d)(4);</text></clause><clause commented="no" id="id263F9F97B7844C7188821BC90A1B0062"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>conduct reviews of decisions in placement review hearings, as described in section 226(b)(6);</text></clause><clause commented="no" id="id9AB77ED97B4143529AABA6E835386648"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>conduct reviews of decisions in sponsorship hearings, as described in section 232(b)(3)(H);</text></clause><clause commented="no" id="idA367F207B3494FCF9B7821CA38DF988F"><enum>(v)</enum><text>regularly review data collected under section 602; and</text></clause><clause commented="no" id="id6941EE200F094230AB76252257DF2C8B"><enum>(vi)</enum><text>track and monitor processing times and length of custody for noncitizen children in immigration custody.</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id7E0FFE25CFD44E77A269EEB0D736A10B"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Access</header><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idB435A5C4D1BE41C594C0456C5C8248C2"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Facilities</header><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idECB8280B194544F99AEDF5CED23D0E8D"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Secretary and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall ensure unobstructed access by the Ombudsperson to any facility at which a noncitizen child is detained. </text></subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idC904ED45B38B4408833E47BFA014235D"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Information collection for site visits</header><text>For each site visit conducted by the Ombudsperson, facility staff shall provide a list of the unaccompanied noncitizen children housed in the facility, including their names, alien registration numbers, dates of birth, dates of apprehension, and the dates of facility placement—</text><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idC33A6B1D6BFC43C9971244B72B983062"><enum>(i)</enum><text>in the case of an announced site visit, not less than 48 hours before the arrival of the Ombudsperson; and </text></clause><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id8E2DD43E90064A608F086C09A16F083C"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>in the case of an unannounced site visit, on the arrival of the Ombudsperson.</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id9B70828533A04064B508E7CE63C116C6"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Private and confidential space</header><text>A facility shall provide a private and confidential space in which the Ombudsperson may interview unaccompanied noncitizen children and staff.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id484ebded564b41d7bf11c0e2175afa87"><enum>(D)</enum><header>Delegation</header><text>The Ombudsperson may designate 1 or more individuals from outside the Ombudperson’s office to conduct site visits and interview detained children. </text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id27299E163DC5410DB08A73F36E3BE6D1"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Information</header><text>On request by the Ombudsperson, the Secretary shall ensure, not later than 48 hours after receipt of the request, unobstructed access by the Ombudsperson to— </text><subparagraph id="id9809a5f94d7449588100031990aa3ae4"><enum>(A)</enum><text>the case files, records, reports, audits, documents, papers, recommendations, or any other pertinent information relating to the care and custody of a noncitizen child; and </text></subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id6F1105FE0C42418E86B8AC43F48D7CA4"><enum>(B)</enum><text>the written policies and procedures of all childcare facilities. </text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="id9249D602DDB44412BCE7E4B2521BE1ED"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Definition of unobstructed access</header><text>In this subsection, the term <term>unobstructed access</term> means—</text><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id9BB40D2B803E48708A5E526A204D47B0"><enum>(A)</enum><text>with respect to a facility, the ability—</text><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id26E330A22E6A4BAC94A3080D7E7F3D9A"><enum>(i)</enum><text>to enter the facility at any time, including unannounced, to observe and inspect all areas of the facility; </text></clause><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idE814D1009D4C43CC90A9070925D6A3DA"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>to communicate privately and without restriction with any child, caregiver, facility staff, or volunteer; and </text></clause><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idBC8F003776334B27930743C51048C420"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>to obtain, review, and reproduce any—</text><subclause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id49F73B6FF45242F6A502E6080131D5C9"><enum>(I)</enum><text>record of a child, staff member, or caregiver; </text></subclause><subclause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id124E82EC73184F3091A16ECA94554AAF"><enum>(II)</enum><text>administrative record, policy, or document of any facility; </text></subclause><subclause id="id618bf1c86ea24279bc3a2f047cdef403"><enum>(III)</enum><text>licensing record maintained by the applicable Federal or State agency; or </text></subclause><subclause id="ideb2d4887e3074a6d88ceb34d1a559a4c"><enum>(IV)</enum><text>record, including a confidential record, of a Federal or State agency or any contractor of a Federal or State agency, except sealed court records, production of which may only be compelled by subpoena; and</text></subclause></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id1E78B06419A94B20AC98C8576EC5BF73"><enum>(B)</enum><text>with respect to information, the ability to obtain requested information in a timely manner and with the full cooperation of the Secretary or the Secretary of Homeland Security, as applicable. </text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idCC43A05D93EB42F68BD8125519C1707F"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Confidentiality</header><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idB34E4D39AA4544419A2CCF6EA47A2E21"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Identity of complainants and witnesses</header><text>The Ombudsperson shall maintain confidentiality with respect to the identities of complainants or witnesses coming before the Office, except if such a disclosure is necessary—</text><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idF37929D3ABE0445CA5D362B9F98B086F"><enum>(A)</enum><text>to carry out the duties of the Ombudsperson; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idD74641CB94ED44B19F049937C05884E3"><enum>(B)</enum><text>to support recommendations made in individual cases, annual reports, or other reports. </text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idCC30B86E77904002BC915929EDE42EF7"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Records</header><text>In accordance with relevant Federal and State law, the Ombudsperson may not disclose a confidential record.</text></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id67AA284BBDF943C5BE863F8118770D24"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Testimony and deposition</header><text>The Ombudsperson and employees of the Office may not testify or be deposed in a judicial or administrative proceeding regarding matters that have come to their attention in the exercise of their official duties, except as the Ombudsperson considers necessary to enforce this Act or the amendments made by this Act.</text></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id9D17F3BA5E8F4ADCA09805E0B8767197"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Subpoena and discovery</header><text>The records of the Office, including notes, drafts, and records obtained from an individual, a provider, or an agency during intake, review, or investigation of a complaint, and any reports not released to the public are not subject to disclosure or production in response to a subpoena or discovery in a judicial or administrative proceeding, except as the Ombudsperson considers necessary to enforce this Act or the amendments made by this Act.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idB99A8E72C8BD49F49B6F41EC3B87198D"><enum>(f)</enum><header>Authorization of appropriations</header><text>There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this section.</text></subsection></section><section section-type="subsequent-section" id="idC49EA53597C84FE789F0C8C535EFFB22"><enum>602.</enum><header>Data collection and reporting</header><subsection id="id8f68315b7b3741979552dc81b2a91cf9"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Department of Homeland Security</header><paragraph id="id4B88D5D897E746B8B173A60C658C66EA"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Secretary of Homeland Security shall collect and maintain a record of each noncitizen child held in the custody of the Secretary of Homeland Security.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id77d8462f96d74f149434c80da6daaaac"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Frequency and submission of data collected</header><subparagraph id="id8d0b5e0c362e43dc9d64edcc3d7d9faa"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Not less frequently than weekly, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall—</text><clause id="id34549d51082b41f59c88c0d8eb76ecbc"><enum>(i)</enum><text>collect the information described in paragraph (3) from each district office and Border Patrol station; and</text></clause><clause id="iddd8baa3e6d4f489195d112bf8107f687"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>submit such data to—</text><subclause id="id20420DA3930A48DA993FBC42547577B3"><enum>(I)</enum><text>the Ombudsperson; and</text></subclause><subclause id="id91bfa9f9bb774772b4c0a41632b8d108"><enum>(II)</enum><text>the Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate and the Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives.</text></subclause></clause></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="ide80590ce7d744714b251009f2d43d231"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Information described</header><text>The information described in this paragraph is the following:</text><subparagraph id="id93cf65f3a1be4894a2496333ae44af22"><enum>(A)</enum><header>Individual data</header><text>For each noncitizen child in the custody of the Secretary of Homeland Security, the following:</text><clause id="idc03d40c0234a47b1b497b5208464cd7b"><enum>(i)</enum><text>Biographical information, including full name, date of birth, country of citizenship, preferred language, and alien number.</text></clause><clause id="ida330735e61b24267a06c5f7565cf60f1"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>The date the child was apprehended and placed in such custody.</text></clause><clause id="id48fa1ef557db4504909e8db41b7a79d9"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>The date and the time the child was released or transferred from such custody and to whom the child was so released or transferred.</text></clause><clause id="idbce5e4a9e13f40cd84f3ded6b1dcc389"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>For each accompanying family member of the child or other adult the child identifies as a previous caregiver, biographical and contact information.</text></clause><clause id="id3cb305ee057c4181b39120aa0b26d17f"><enum>(v)</enum><text>An indication as to whether the child arrived in the company of a family member other than a parent or legal guardian, and in the case of a separation from that family member, a justification for the separation.</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id8dfcda8ead8945de9df3afe86fd821eb"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Aggregated data</header><clause id="idaab3e298ed0a4c07b1a5f96560e90a6f"><enum>(i)</enum><text>The number of children in the custody of the Secretary of Homeland Security as of the last day of each calendar month, calculated to include all such children, disaggregated by—</text><subclause id="id8F092A47B9444176A9CDAC784F57F401"><enum>(I)</enum><text>facility; and </text></subclause><subclause id="id7DFA4EAF08E84B3EB19864113FB4A493"><enum>(II)</enum><text>Border Patrol sector.</text></subclause></clause><clause id="id7e742230427345a8973539ff5c543d54"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>The largest number of children concurrently held in such custody, calculated to include all such children, and the 1 or more dates on which such largest number occurred, disaggregated by—</text><subclause id="idBDA7E7FD664F4C639EB689036F902CB9"><enum>(I)</enum><text>facility; and </text></subclause><subclause id="idd6682beae6c849f593bce8abd2fd4d16"><enum>(II)</enum><text>Border Patrol sector.</text></subclause></clause><clause id="id0794a339768f40d1a06f4eb1a63c3d20"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>The median and average number of hours in such custody for each such child, calculated to include all such children, disaggregated by—</text><subclause id="id8def9331843540e9b7b498ba6c1e83b5"><enum>(I)</enum><text>facility; and</text></subclause><subclause id="idFBB3C90AFEB146DAA8434DEBF326DAD6"><enum>(II)</enum><text>Border Patrol sector.</text></subclause></clause></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="id62008cd3611444cabf94354cdc174f14"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Publication</header><text>Not less frequently than monthly, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall publish on a publicly accessible internet website of the Department of Homeland Security the following:</text><subparagraph id="id4638773C2C1C4981852E59EEFC73B51A"><enum>(A)</enum><text>The figures for the data collected under paragraph (3)(B)(i).</text></subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" id="id00a5523139574847a2128edd64310491"><enum>(B)</enum><text>For the preceding calendar month, the figures for the data collected under clauses (ii) and (iii) of paragraph (3)(B).</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" id="id11652042ca544b34ba1ace2b06eb2184"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Office of Refugee Resettlement</header><paragraph commented="no" id="idC6EF1A2E486247699C30FBBF72B533F4"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>To support the data collection and monitoring duties of the Ombudsperson and to facilitate public monitoring, the Director shall—</text><subparagraph id="id04df953da20142df876e1e22584bbc36"><enum>(A)</enum><text>develop a systemic data collection system to collect and maintain relevant demographic information that is pertinent to serving—</text><clause id="id342B7CF32C274931856D932EC7D5291F"><enum>(i)</enum><text>the population of unaccompanied noncitizen children in the custody of the Secretary of Health and Human Services; and </text></clause><clause id="idAE3B235DF2EC4D26872A4D3451FCE101"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>children who have been released from such custody with services pending;</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id4f890154e8684d309595f7dd2321b9ee"><enum>(B)</enum><text>not less than every 3 years, review the data collected, the categorization of such data, the information architecture for organizing and analyzing such data, any safety concern relating to the collection of such data, and the method for obtaining or collecting such data under such system;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id7111aaca60e6485e8e60a88cce7f70d4"><enum>(C)</enum><clause commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="id95C1AED58144420FBFB1C27F92D2B48F"><enum>(i)</enum><text>as appropriate, revise such system to make improvements in service delivery to unaccompanied noncitizen children; and </text></clause><clause id="id36103B8CCEE24A4DB9BDDA4AC535B49C" indent="up1"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>if such system is so revised, ensure the continuity of comparative data from periods before and after the revision; and</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id30d579963fa84dcda24ff8ddab95ba20"><enum>(D)</enum><text>ensure the ongoing functioning and use of such system by the Office of Refugee Resettlement.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="id38d610265cf84ba3be1f8aba1e269f12"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Frequency of data collected</header><text>Not less frequently than weekly, the Director shall—</text><subparagraph id="idE244F01001D24771B624BB0C67DB7B40"><enum>(A)</enum><text>collect from each childcare facility the information described in paragraph (3); and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id7F1AB5305D714867A5FD96D794940B3A"><enum>(B)</enum><text>maintain such information in the system described in paragraph (1)(A).</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="idfb04c21a02d9490e922e770d148e5556"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Information described</header><text>The information described in this paragraph is the following:</text><subparagraph id="id79bac18629a64698b33dd4d50d581706"><enum>(A)</enum><header>Individual data</header><text>For each unaccompanied noncitizen child in the custody of the Secretary of Homeland Security— </text><clause id="idaef329a89ef8403ca360f4790f404272"><enum>(i)</enum><text>biographical information, including full name, date of birth, country of citizenship, preferred language, and alien number;</text></clause><clause id="iddb83cee66bc540ba93ff131048d52575"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>the date the child was apprehended and placed in such custody of the Secretary of Homeland Security;</text></clause><clause id="id0900e5d2f5c3472e88fe67fd30ee3b23"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>the date the child was placed in the custody of the Secretary of Health and Human Services;</text></clause><clause id="id717e098b9d99422daf0390aaf7d11774"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>the date on which the child was placed in a childcare facility, or transferred between childcare facilities, as applicable, and the name and location of each childcare facility;</text></clause><clause id="id8A851CB53B7B46DFA565CB2318CE41C6"><enum>(v)</enum><text>in the case of a child placed in a residential treatment center, therapeutic childcare facility, staff-secure facility, or out-of-network facility, a justification for such placement;</text></clause><clause id="id515a6417362a42a8b41ba03983c06015"><enum>(vi)</enum><text>the status of the child’s family reunification process, including—</text><subclause id="idC1CCE8EADE6B4E83BB3EE386F21E3FE1"><enum>(I)</enum><text>a record of the 1 or more case managers who have worked on the child’s case, including a description of the work performed;</text></subclause><subclause id="id5e65305eb7464210b7036242fbd29289"><enum>(II)</enum><text>in the case of a child who is released or discharged from the custody of the Secretary of Health and Human Services—</text><item id="idD6AB3F0C5BD4434F82C7F265EA3E2D2C"><enum>(aa)</enum><text>the date of release or discharge;</text></item><item id="id6F30864A67D14759BCA13FD39077FC7E"><enum>(bb)</enum><text>the name of the individual to whom the child was released, as applicable; and</text></item><item id="id70C93EC955714A2FA6EA3007AEE06117"><enum>(cc)</enum><text>the reason for release or discharge; and</text></item></subclause><subclause id="id579312e96ee04f7d8f0e074d5f508b14"><enum>(III)</enum><text>in the case of a child removed from the United States, the date of removal and the country to which he or she was removed, regardless of whether a child was removed directly from the custody of the Secretary of Health and Human Services; and</text></subclause></clause><clause id="idf55e23e4725748299c2a0860eae6a810"><enum>(vii)</enum><text>the number of occasions on which the operator of a childcare facility or an influx facility contacted law enforcement with respect to the child, as applicable, and the justification for each such contact.</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id6e73dfbbc3bd46daa7105fbff0ac6ebb"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Facility data</header><text>For each childcare facility or influx facility funded by the Department of Health and Human Services—</text><clause id="iddcdc84393e4b4697a1b1c16d51605797"><enum>(i)</enum><text>the median length of stay for unaccompanied noncitizen children placed at the facility;</text></clause><clause id="id4e802c857e60436aae10f1ec970413b8"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>for children who have been released to sponsors, the median amount of time spent by such children in the custody of the Secretary of Health and Human Services before release;</text></clause><clause id="idbfede7c24f2c49a2a101d6783bb68886"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>the utilization rate of the facility (excluding funded but unplaceable beds and calculated as the number of filled beds divided by the number of beds available for placement, expressed as a percentage);</text></clause><clause id="idbf772b302c424a43ac90c0fbe0d0912f"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>the percentage of unaccompanied noncitizen children transferred from the facility to any other facility, calculated on a rolling basis; and</text></clause><clause id="id5a67d1a4133f40daaf2189cd0a540227"><enum>(v)</enum><text>the number and type of child abuse or neglect allegations against facility staff or against other children in the facility, and the number of such allegations substantiated.</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id315a71a281b74b85abafb813c12b674b"><enum>(C)</enum><header>National capacity data</header><clause id="id6D13E08C39344296A00130D6E30B2353"><enum>(i)</enum><header>In general</header><text>For all childcare facilities and influx facilities, in the aggregate—</text><subclause id="ide796976ddfa243a48dde84d9695ba399"><enum>(I)</enum><text>the number of pending beds; and</text></subclause><subclause id="id815b5df56ded4209998df490bec4da7f"><enum>(II)</enum><text>the number of delivered beds, disaggregated by—</text><item id="idddcb95e977934844896245507d3d416c"><enum>(aa)</enum><text>beds occupied by unaccompanied noncitizen children;</text></item><item id="id673990db18ac4a59a20eee02c2d4eb38"><enum>(bb)</enum><text>unoccupied beds available for potential use by unaccompanied noncitizen children; and</text></item><item id="id738688edd8814cc598d98b7ae54d6a8f"><enum>(cc)</enum><text>unavailable beds that are funded but cannot receive children.</text></item></subclause></clause><clause id="idA0F0D5251F7247F3931BA86CD0221E61"><enum>(ii)</enum><header>Definitions</header><text>In this subparagraph:</text><subclause id="idC12F3CD51FB6458FA51A92B5ECFA65C5"><enum>(I)</enum><header>Delivered bed</header><text>The term <term>delivered bed</term> means a bed delivered to the Department of Health and Human Services for use by an unaccompanied noncitizen child.</text></subclause><subclause id="id03F634BDDC3B4A718DB5545A5DFB78F6"><enum>(II)</enum><header>Pending bed</header><text>The term <term>pending bed</term> means a bed—</text><item id="idBCEFCCC99B8242BCA3205F1A69328968"><enum>(aa)</enum><text>to be provided to the Department of Health and Human Services for use by an unaccompanied noncitizen child that is funded by a grant, cooperative agreement, contract, or any other means; but </text></item><item id="id20DD2255DF7C43B8BADEDA385103D016"><enum>(bb)</enum><text>that is not yet a delivered bed.</text></item></subclause></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id028e0db514e54464bdf7ca56dafde285"><enum>(D)</enum><header>Family reunification data</header><text>For all unaccompanied noncitizen children in the custody of the Secretary of Health and Human Services—</text><clause id="idac4e09e38fc142a69d6a3c727ae6ef1a"><enum>(i)</enum><text>the median time-to-release, disaggregated by—</text><subclause id="id9E78F1FD6493408186DF9A9E3E87C59C"><enum>(I)</enum><text>children released to parents or legal guardians; </text></subclause><subclause id="id7B840C539B8146E08BF878A19120F092"><enum>(II)</enum><text>children released to other sponsors; </text></subclause><subclause id="id62E1CFCA0E5B429A98CCE57FCD4E11B4"><enum>(III)</enum><text>children who have home studies mandated by section 235 of the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/8/1232">8 U.S.C. 1232</external-xref>);</text></subclause><subclause id="idA1989C26AF4B4652A4864042C465AA31"><enum>(IV)</enum><text>children granted home studies through the discretion of the Director; and</text></subclause><subclause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idA3082D368A344267BD93F59ACDD422BE"><enum>(V)</enum><text>all other children; and </text></subclause></clause><clause id="idafc76eaa6c4148998ce4d3cbd947c5bd"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>the number of children who have been in such custody for more than 90 days, disaggregated by—</text><subclause id="id6e599de3f0374ffa9a6dea9b38593bac"><enum>(I)</enum><text>children placed in therapeutic foster care;</text></subclause><subclause id="id92714ec9288d4947a0fed15a8a17bf9c"><enum>(II)</enum><text>children placed in long-term foster care; and</text></subclause><subclause id="id0c6b22db41c946b9b7635b09c0a14cff"><enum>(III)</enum><text>children in placements that are not therapeutic foster care or long-term foster care.</text></subclause></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="ida64dacbe2d3e45fa9b756c4274a1f23f"><enum>(E)</enum><header>Comprehensive national data</header><clause id="id0340950cf1dc4b518374595406c487e4"><enum>(i)</enum><text>The number and characteristics of children placed in and exiting the custody of the Secretary of Health and Human Services.</text></clause><clause id="id0b28ccb62de9439a9b66024037c677b0"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>The status of the unaccompanied noncitizen child population, including the number of such children in such custody, age cohorts of such children, length of placements, types of placements, location in-network or out-of-network, and goals for reunification by sponsor or placement type.</text></clause><clause id="ide3b0a74c459c49d48b45d5d972c40105"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>The number and percentage of unaccompanied noncitizen children designated for and receiving any of the following:</text><subclause id="id2D433D8F1BED4FB4B441DF7F00EDDC50"><enum>(I)</enum><text>Mandatory home studies.</text></subclause><subclause id="idE0818AAA40B0406AB8BED5C1C6EF9E18"><enum>(II)</enum><text>Discretionary home studies. </text></subclause><subclause id="idA74E62BB52A44EAF9F5C1A98CE8B64F6"><enum>(III)</enum><text>Post-release services.</text></subclause></clause><clause id="id1497def7ca964192a93b765341ca6e60"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>The number and percentage of unaccompanied noncitizen children held in a facility funded by the Office of Refugee Resettlement with more than 25 other unaccompanied noncitizen children.</text></clause><clause id="id2dba7e1f7b784bf89c10bc9394a84c06"><enum>(v)</enum><text>The number and percentage of unaccompanied noncitizen children with special needs or disabilities (as defined in section 3 of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/42/12102">42 U.S.C. 12102</external-xref>)).</text></clause><clause id="id4b2a94b1ea794267973fbaa8a1587606"><enum>(vi)</enum><text>For each type of childcare facility and each influx facility—</text><subclause id="ida97947034195426b975b54993ba1fb53"><enum>(I)</enum><text>the average national case manager-to-child ratio; and</text></subclause><subclause id="id94a42245880d4324920260e6e74c7acf"><enum>(II)</enum><text>the national utilization rate (excluding funded but unplaceable beds and calculated as the number of filled beds divided by the number of beds available for placement, expressed as a percentage).</text></subclause></clause><clause id="idb90fa185cab5417e8cce6b2cda158334"><enum>(vii)</enum><text>The number of such facilities alleged and found to be out of compliance with the facility standards under the Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/34/30301">34 U.S.C. 30301 et seq.</external-xref>).</text></clause><clause id="id36d62e7faef4429da8a180eb26edac5c"><enum>(viii)</enum><text>The number and types of violations for sexual abuse and exploitation alleged and resolved with respect to unaccompanied noncitizen children while in the custody of the Secretary of Health and Human Services, counted and categorized in accordance with the Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/34/30301">34 U.S.C. 30301 et seq.</external-xref>).</text></clause><clause id="ide71153a45b514ea698c24e1c0882806f"><enum>(ix)</enum><text>The rate of compliance with subparagraphs (A) and (B) of section 231(a)(2).</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id0c5f18c644d24cadb5ded9788f707a84"><enum>(F)</enum><header>Further population and general characteristics data</header><clause id="id5D33944CC6CA4C90895866ACE0E78276"><enum>(i)</enum><header>In general</header><subclause id="id7862d989aec14e068eb3d5d05f6271cf"><enum>(I)</enum><text>The general status and characteristics of the population of unaccompanied noncitizen children and their family members.</text></subclause><subclause id="idba90b52f7d1e46fb8113675070cc0392"><enum>(II)</enum><text>The general quality and speed of the placement process, and information on post-placement outcomes.</text></subclause><subclause id="idb599395aeb514b61874b9f73f3df9802"><enum>(III)</enum><text>Barriers to release for such children, including relevant cross-tabulations with other collected data.</text></subclause><subclause id="idf25a90db75ff4e5fa5cb984e455e07f7"><enum>(IV)</enum><text>An identification of children who are vulnerable to or victims of human trafficking.</text></subclause><subclause id="id038490759345468394e740bfdac60136"><enum>(V)</enum><text>The general status and characteristics of facilities funded by the Office of Refugee Resettlement for the purpose of the care of unaccompanied noncitizen children.</text></subclause><subclause id="idbd8fb7978953446392882ae1cb77ebb9"><enum>(VI)</enum><text>The rate of increase or decrease in childcare facility usage, such that cross-facility comparisons are useful or systemwide seasonal variations may be anticipated.</text></subclause><subclause id="id9b9615ac4c0d4ea48fbfaee0c2f7b063"><enum>(VII)</enum><text>Aggregate measures that allow comparison between facilities by size, placement type, and any other appropriate factor of number and type of child abuse or neglect allegations against staff or against other children.</text></subclause></clause><clause id="id618B3512FA6149E6922CD8779ED75E8C"><enum>(ii)</enum><header>Collection standards</header><text>The Director shall develop and implement standards for the collection of the information described in clause (i).</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="idd2117963622643a590638141afb5438b"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Submission of data and information</header><text>Not less frequently than weekly, the Director shall submit, in a manner that corresponds with publication under paragraph (6), the information described in paragraph (3) for the preceding week to—</text><subparagraph id="idb520975cc75144ac99afc5fea6278faa"><enum>(A)</enum><text>the Ombudsperson; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id4911F6EAFFD34D2280D34C21E0692D2E"><enum>(B)</enum><text>the Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate and the Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives. </text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="id0318ca9b775c4b759516df490cb550cd"><enum>(5)</enum><header>Additional requirements</header><subparagraph id="id3858E27BDA454AE3941928A296366F77"><enum>(A)</enum><header>Reliability and consistency of data collection system</header><text>The data collection system developed and implemented under paragraph (1) shall—</text><clause id="idfc416bae56bc48518ad784fac241aabe"><enum>(i)</enum><text>ensure that—</text><subclause id="idB4F2F69696E34CD682F95E9C553AAD22"><enum>(I)</enum><text>data collected is reliable and consistent over time and among jurisdictions through the use of uniform definitions and methodologies; and</text></subclause><subclause id="id876d27c10b9a45748a43e15db280a947"><enum>(II)</enum><text>publicly available data remains reliable and consistent over time, unless—</text><item id="id50B05F8AA2B141A395D7C8B9639F45F5"><enum>(aa)</enum><text>the removal of data from the public domain protects individuals or groups of individuals from harm or potential harm; or</text></item><item id="id378CA125AADD4F85B15E1861AC84856A"><enum>(bb)</enum><text>a modification to a definition or methodology is necessary to allow the Office of Refugee Resettlement to serve unaccompanied noncitizen children better, individually or as a group; and</text></item></subclause></clause><clause id="id3bc40c4d33d8402988650cbfd9d3ddfe"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>for the information described in paragraph (3)(F), include metadata with respect to whether, and in what form, such information may be made available to the public, with the presumption that information shall be made available to the public—</text><subclause id="id7AF9BDAA6FEF4C16838E44AFEE52BEC7"><enum>(I)</enum><text>in the least restricted form that protects individual privacy; and</text></subclause><subclause id="idA0001CEF39A44EBABDF3C19906AD97F9"><enum>(II)</enum><text>on the same internet website used for publication under paragraph (6).</text></subclause></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id4f4cbd47604246adaa1c62999f5f7d09"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Incentives</header><text>The Director shall use appropriate requirements and incentives to ensure that the data collection system developed and implemented under paragraph (1) functions reliably throughout the United States.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="idfb8d5504893b49d69c88390f55c727e8"><enum>(6)</enum><header>Publication</header><subparagraph id="id0566350C5DAA4CDA90C7400D05C0E614"><enum>(A)</enum><header>Monthly report</header><clause id="id8A7CFFDB77DE46B6A85B3835AD3D7340"><enum>(i)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Not less frequently than monthly, the Director shall publish on a publicly accessible internet website of the Office of Refugee Resettlement the following:</text><subclause id="idab6e17494a0f43cba501f31fdfc491ae"><enum>(I)</enum><text>As of the last day of the preceding calendar month, the figures for the data collected under subparagraphs (C), (D)(ii), and (E)(ii) of paragraph (3).</text></subclause><subclause id="ide9b612941f404025b5f758a7af9d53f1"><enum>(II)</enum><text>For each calendar month, the figures for the data collected under subparagraphs (D)(i), (E)(i), (E)(v), and (E)(vi) of paragraph (3).</text></subclause><subclause id="id06e16a2f89194562a89e203653b6958f"><enum>(III)</enum><text>If an influx facility, an emergency facility, or any other unlicensed facility is in operation to house noncitizen children, the figures for the data collected under paragraph (3)(E)(ix) and any other data required to ensure oversight and transparency under section 306.</text></subclause><subclause id="id8ad8c52ad41242d1a85b7c7ea8423449"><enum>(IV)</enum><text>The data and measures described in paragraph (3)(F) for which new or continuing publication is—</text><item id="id1893A1CEA5694267924975F2E8B86C48"><enum>(aa)</enum><text>in the public interest; or</text></item><item id="id0716758782FE44B6ADBCE606B59F08DA"><enum>(bb)</enum><text>required under paragraph (5)(A).</text></item></subclause><subclause id="id64ECD92973164A948496AA4FC2E14E1A"><enum>(V)</enum><text>A description of any change between the information reported under subclauses (I) through (IV) for the reporting period and such information reported for the preceding reporting period.</text></subclause></clause><clause id="id59C48459B5DD41C6AEA3BBF30471F6D4"><enum>(ii)</enum><header>Aggregation of data</header><text>The information published under clause (i) shall be aggregated so as to facilitate uniform monthly reporting.</text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id5D6B555FECB34597BB4642ECDCC06E50"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Annual report</header><clause id="idEA3E0C4B9DFD47C880CF333559991769"><enum>(i)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Not less frequently than annually, the Director shall publish on a publicly accessible internet website of the Office of Refugee Resettlement the following:</text><subclause id="ide7a3a4c9c4024829a18f05b7b93486cf"><enum>(I)</enum><text>As of the last day of each fiscal year, the figures for the data collected under subparagraphs (E)(iii), (E)(v), (E)(vii), and (E)(viii) of paragraph (3).</text></subclause><subclause id="ide1846697e2a04ac8b081f92a24dcfe4e"><enum>(II)</enum><text>The data and measures described in paragraph (3)(F) for which new or continuing publication is—</text><item id="idAE3085DA7F2F4C1C970C255D36EE46E3"><enum>(aa)</enum><text>in the public interest; or</text></item><item commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idB6B6A3AB25B44AEEB3F249B5FA5190F0"><enum>(bb)</enum><text>required under paragraph (5)(A). </text></item></subclause><subclause id="id783cf239e2034e1ab4d487b8583e3e4a"><enum>(III)</enum><text>A description of any change between the information reported under subclauses (I) and (II) for the reporting period and such information reported for the preceding reporting period.</text></subclause></clause><clause commented="no" id="id988FD330BCDE4474AA67FCB23AC565A7"><enum>(ii)</enum><header>Aggregation of data</header><text>The information published under clause (i) shall be aggregated so as to facilitate uniform annual reporting.</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id2925175c09d5488983af853489ce57cc"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Ombudsperson review of data</header><text>The Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall—</text><paragraph id="id8421a6de32ee46b9a76610921a42ca6a"><enum>(1)</enum><text>ensure that the Ombudsperson—</text><subparagraph id="id685f5ff7a66a43e09cd642fff211b143"><enum>(A)</enum><text>has access to all real-time data regarding noncitizen children in immigration custody; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idaf4a664f09594f8eb97dd7923fb498de"><enum>(B)</enum><text>is able to independently and regularly review data collected by the Department of Health and Human Services and Department of Homeland Security with respect to such children;</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="id04083b108ee14b8f8af660b5bd4e6756"><enum>(2)</enum><text>respond in a timely manner to inquiries from the Ombudsperson with respect to such data; and</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id5884f3370bad47f193ef586169c5b06d"><enum>(3)</enum><text>promptly take any necessary corrective action with respect to the accuracy and integrity of such data.</text></paragraph></subsection></section><section section-type="subsequent-section" id="id133B31D71C4546F0A24DBC75DC702A61"><enum>603.</enum><header>Enforcement</header><subsection id="id4A51190BDCE14749AA4205156236D781"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Audits</header><paragraph id="id988284090BCB48D291D0B481D55521DF"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Not less frequently than annually, the Director shall conduct an audit of each childcare facility, which shall include a site visit—</text><subparagraph id="id74A6D195A09643F29EBE1EB6891E0D06"><enum>(A)</enum><text>to assess compliance of the childcare facility with the requirements of this Act; and </text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id927D1287DB0D464A8AC5BC6981052160"><enum>(B)</enum><text>to determine whether the operator of the childcare facility continues to be a State-licensed program. </text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="id994665E3026144DBB0CA043265EF6F45"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Report to Ombudsperson</header><text>Not later than 7 days after the date on which the Director completes an audit under subsection (a), the Director shall submit to the Ombudsperson a report on the audit, including a description of any corrective action required to bring the childcare facility into compliance.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id6FA32667847B459498163C8D0B5CB6E6"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Violations</header><paragraph id="idD938EB46A77F4C2094D56A7C8821E12D"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Notification</header><text>With respect to a childcare facility found to be in violation of this Act, the Director shall provide the State-licensed program concerned with a written notification of each deficiency.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id779634AB1F754FB4BEE9C2C8D9B4AE51"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Appeal</header><subparagraph id="idD049733EA54B44AEA1AF41F287DF6F1E"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>A State-licensed program shall have the opportunity to administratively appeal a finding of deficiency in a childcare facility operated by the State-licensed program.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idB6935AEC160F4648A780A31CD1CAB7E5"><enum>(B)</enum><header>No new referrals</header><text>During the pendency of an appeal under subparagraph (A), the childcare facility may not receive new placements of unaccompanied noncitizen children.</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="idDB4006CE21CF480588E425A1082A9E59"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Debarment</header><text>Consistent with the Federal Acquisition Regulation, any operator of a childcare facility that fails to maintain an appropriate State license or meet the standards set forth in this Act shall be debarred or suspended from contracting with the Secretary for not less than 3 years. </text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id7160741DE9A24B0DB53ACE29F1B6D126"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Civil action</header><paragraph id="id9FDDBE9230B249B6822B05F72F08AF4B"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>An unaccompanied noncitizen child or the parent, legal guardian, or prospective sponsor of such a child alleging noncompliance by a State-licensed program with the standards and procedures set forth in this Act for childcare facilities may commence a cause of action in a district court of the United States that has venue over the matter.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="idF5679893993F462B966847F71C8C8057"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Venue</header><text>Venue for an action under paragraph (1) may be found in—</text><subparagraph id="idEE1AD4E2BCF848ED9E387618ADCD4979"><enum>(A)</enum><text>the district in which the original childcare facility in which the unaccompanied noncitizen child concerned was placed is located; or</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idF425684B052A47B8BDB5EE791E831E8E"><enum>(B)</enum><text>the district in which the childcare facility to which the unaccompanied noncitizen child was transferred is located.</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id4A8E7D9584FB4F75A5A1CB89C33093A0"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Limited review</header><text>Review under this section shall be limited to entering an order solely affecting the individual claims of the unaccompanied noncitizen child or the parent, legal guardian, or prospective sponsor seeking such review. </text></subsection><subsection id="idea02ccbd2bad41cb8af1bd389a209044"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Interference with Ombudsperson</header><text>An employee of a Federal or State agency, a contractor of a Federal or State agency, or a care provider who intentionally prevents, interferes with, or attempts to impede the work of the Ombudsperson shall be subject to a civil penalty, which shall be not more than $2,500 for each violation. </text></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id61e73b9e3b5544efae5a3e5a77b24091"><enum>(f)</enum><header>Breach of duty of care</header><text>If the Ombudsperson has reason to believe that an employee of a Federal or State agency or a contractor of a Federal or State agency has, in the conduct of official duties, breached the duty of care or engaged in misconduct, the Ombudsperson shall refer the matter to the head of such Federal or State agency, a grand jury, or other appropriate official or agency. </text></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id2761E6C416614F7B889FDB963D9E13A5"><enum>(g)</enum><header>Criminal penalty for discrimination or retaliation</header><text>A violation of section 604 or any provision of title VII shall be a misdemeanor. </text></subsection></section><section id="id9c10dc9bc77a4e568e124f0bae05fb9a"><enum>604.</enum><header>Protection from retaliation</header><subsection id="id2CB338A394BC4EF2A096B6821E1039AA"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Director may not—</text><paragraph id="id3373F3114DC34A7BA63D96787E9D8D81"><enum>(1)</enum><text>take an adverse action against an Office of Refugee Resettlement-funded legal services provider, child advocate program, or any other entity based on the legal services provider, child advocate program, or other entity having pursued judicial review or a civil action under this Act, or any civil action in a State court, on behalf of an unaccompanied noncitizen child or the parent, legal guardian, or prospective sponsor of such a child; or </text></paragraph><paragraph id="idD2FEF5925936419F87B0B5D6952E3540"><enum>(2)</enum><text>discourage, interfere in, or withdraw funds from any Office of Refugee Resettlement-funded legal services provider, child advocate program, or any other entity that—</text><subparagraph id="id506AA0352F4042A3B0C8ED6CF7BC428B"><enum>(A)</enum><text>pursues judicial review or a civil action under this Act, or any civil action in State court, to challenge the conditions of such a child's custody or the denial of release from custody; or </text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id1A0956E2650444ACB18230D0C3FF7E81"><enum>(B)</enum><text>assists such a child or the parent, legal guardian, or prospective sponsor of such a child to so challenge.</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id2e64c01d5dee413b80e27c93ba20ac1e"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Protection for individuals filing complaints with Ombudsperson</header><text>An employee of a Federal or State agency, a contractor for a Federal or State agency, or a care provider shall not retaliate against any individual for having filed a complaint with, or provided information to, the Ombudsperson. </text></subsection><subsection id="id86AAF44C5B6A4B5590B5C80A892E2636"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Protections for noncitizen children reporting discrimination</header><text>Noncitizen children in immigration custody may not be retaliated against for reporting discrimination, filing a charge of discrimination, or participating in a discrimination investigation or lawsuit. </text></subsection></section><section section-type="subsequent-section" id="id0250A510EC294F119FCF8661033FE0AF"><enum>605.</enum><header>Mandatory access to detention facilities for Members of Congress</header><subsection id="idd5b529a217a14cb3b0f20d64f218ade8"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Subject to subsection (c), the Secretary concerned shall allow a Member of Congress to tour any facility in which 1 or more detained individuals are housed, including unaccompanied noncitizen children, at a time between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. on a date requested by the Member of Congress if, not later than 24 hours before the date requested in the case of a Department of Homeland Security facility, or not later than 2 business days before the date requested in the case of a Department of Health and Human Services facility, the Secretary concerned receives written notice from the Member of Congress that includes—</text><paragraph id="id62235f0040cf415180140998e48fc041"><enum>(1)</enum><text>the name of the facility; and</text></paragraph><paragraph id="idb623cc7ff2e64b739ea1f2fec9ef5516"><enum>(2)</enum><text>the date on which the Member of Congress intends to tour the facility.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="idAD8210CFE40A44D0A47E4158059F99B4"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Accompanying members of the press</header><paragraph id="id939C45B36D2044C7B47D2CC08362FBEE"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary concerned shall allow 1 or more members of the press to accompany a Member of Congress on a tour of a facility under this section.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="idC8CDB45C7A8A4628BEC193916037C708"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Limitations</header><subparagraph id="idB1A872FE9CBD443AA76A9C012B1ABAE3"><enum>(A)</enum><header>Still or video cameras</header><text>The Secretary concerned shall not be required to allow a member of the press to enter a facility under paragraph (1) with a still or video camera.</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id675DA6E14CCA4E4193C8EAAB31970043"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Personally identifying information</header><text>As a condition of entering a facility under paragraph (1), a member of the press shall agree not to release any personally identifying information of a staff member of the facility or a child housed at the facility without the express authorization of such staff member or child.</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id8300A0D9BCFF4EBBBBA46C44AE69AF75"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Limitation</header><text>The Secretary concerned may limit a tour under subsection (a) to—</text><paragraph id="idB7567A436E6045A18626D3F5394FD68E"><enum>(1)</enum><text>in the case of a facility that houses not more than 50 unaccompanied noncitizen children—</text><subparagraph id="id4C9E18CF7D164765931987414F4209A6"><enum>(A)</enum><text>not more than 5 Members of Congress; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id8DA281EFCA964F469A18F9F17754E682"><enum>(B)</enum><text>accompanying members of the press under subsection (b); and</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="id0C12450E14DF4A938225690C90173807"><enum>(2)</enum><text>in the case of a facility that houses more than 50 detained individuals, including unaccompanied noncitizen children—</text><subparagraph id="id4DF61F92B1F44DA19D0AE8D0EFB0923D"><enum>(A)</enum><text>not more than 10 Members of Congress; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id449C2FAD67BE4263B29EF82F5E7AD525"><enum>(B)</enum><text>accompanying members of the press under subsection (b).</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id72D16E13FC6E4731B0380164F2D2968D"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Definition of Secretary concerned</header><text>In this section, the term <term>Secretary concerned</term> means, as applicable—</text><paragraph id="idAA46D3173C204BBF93F1A8B43969CAF2"><enum>(1)</enum><text>the Secretary of Homeland Security; or</text></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id266DC6DC6BB1454EB7AB2ACD29FF7539"><enum>(2)</enum><text>the Secretary of Health and Human Services. </text></paragraph></subsection></section><enum>VII</enum><header>Nondiscrimination</header><section section-type="subsequent-section" id="id483A1F84B00848C7820875D4C13EB4A7"><enum>701.</enum><header>Fair and equal treatment</header><subsection id="idB48AAF59AC4044D1B3143330715D5570"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In general</header><text>All noncitizen children in immigration custody shall be treated fairly and equally and provided with inclusive, safe, and nondiscriminatory services. </text></subsection><subsection id="idCF4B5951B3A04D06AA7DBEB785344726"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Freedom from discrimination</header><paragraph id="id03981747a9ef4981b65a37eabc8552ec"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Noncitizen children in immigration custody shall have the right to be free from discrimination and harassment on the basis of actual or perceived characteristics relating to race, ethnic group identification, ancestry, national origin, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression), language, mental or physical disability, or HIV status.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id014638948B4C4DC0B14F72C98ED65614"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Provision of services</header><text>Services provided to noncitizen children under this Act shall be delivered in a manner that is sensitive to the age, culture, native language, and complex needs of each noncitizen child.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id47076AD0EB554467A6CE9D4C536F6D2D"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Rule of construction</header><text>Nothing in this title shall be construed to diminish any protection under any other Federal or State anti-discrimination law.</text></subsection></section><section id="id899494E09FA54DD0823E2F8526D1CD5C"><enum>702.</enum><header>Responsibilities of care providers</header><subsection id="id537CA2D1EFBF4822951E6E9BE83ADCBC"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In general</header><text>During the entire period in which a noncitizen child is held in immigration custody, the child's care providers shall ensure that the child—</text><paragraph id="id0B54BC9591944545B641EEF45D3F7803"><enum>(1)</enum><text>is treated and served fairly and equally;</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id7E746F911D724471BCD72BBA4CAF7AD7"><enum>(2)</enum><text>is treated with dignity and respect;</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id2B565F751B2D4B169E67FA4A4EC7D65C"><enum>(3)</enum><text>is cared for in an inclusive and respectful environment; and </text></paragraph><paragraph id="id99E0759F491C43DEB8E649071D0F6E2B"><enum>(4)</enum><text>is not subject to discrimination or harassed based on actual or perceived characteristics.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id040B4C080A8641EF9946149EC81D0168"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Special considerations</header><text>During the entire period in which a noncitizen child is held in immigration custody, the child's care providers—</text><paragraph id="id26463fe19db84c66bcc74f7326c41486"><enum>(1)</enum><text>in the case of an noncitizen indigenous child, in partnership with the noncitizen indigenous child and, to the extent practicable, the parents, extended family, and members of the cultural community of the child, shall make active efforts to maintain the child's connections to culture, tradition, and prevailing indigenous lifeways, including through culturally appropriate programs and services;</text></paragraph><paragraph id="iddbdca8d775f743b0acec02c7d16c12ed"><enum>(2)</enum><text>shall maintain privacy and confidentiality of information relating to the child's sexual orientation and gender identity;</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id9D0CDE8092544785B9EDA83B99791260"><enum>(3)</enum><text>shall use the child's correct names and pronouns corresponding to the child’s gender identity;</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id600FAF77607346C7B6174CDE856849FD"><enum>(4)</enum><text>in the case of an LGBTQI child—</text><subparagraph id="id983DCBCAA9A44F50A9D2239A5823600B"><enum>(A)</enum><text>shall—</text><clause id="id33CB41C88C4A410C942E19F0ADADA2A6"><enum>(i)</enum><text>ensure that the child is housed according to an assessment of the child's gender identity and housing preference, health and safety needs, and State and local licensing standards;</text></clause><clause id="id4D75BFC9D0434200B38D5DCAE1ACBF9F"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>offer an individualized assessment to determine whether additional or alternate restroom accommodations should be provided;</text></clause><clause id="id61D9B0F7AA7F41889E25BD3505D18830"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>allow the child to dress and express themselves according to their gender identity; </text></clause><clause id="id7E181388881048B7AB50C334C35604E7"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>allow the child to choose the gender of staff that will conduct a pat-down search if such a search is necessary; and </text></clause><clause id="idbd70522e3b3b4c6b86079cc5ce30e11b"><enum>(v)</enum><text>consider the child’s gender self-identification and the effects of a housing assignment on the child’s health and safety; and </text></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id11C7ADE53CA547AABFCE07B03E3B4538"><enum>(B)</enum><text>shall not—</text><clause id="id939F431094B44DA7A1651452D5297590"><enum>(i)</enum><text>label the child as a likely abuser or punish the child for the child's sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression; or</text></clause><clause id="id8baf05b0b02a4fd3baf1724744c7a359"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>isolate or involuntarily segregate the noncitizen child solely because of the child's sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection></section><enum>VIII</enum><header>Information sharing and data protection</header><section section-type="subsequent-section" id="id5FB2817BFE9148AD896A24F2A5B79976"><enum>801.</enum><header>Separation of records</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline"> The Director shall ensure that—</text><paragraph id="id6EFA3D7613AE4A14BD3E4E90596A2DBF"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">all unaccompanied noncitizen children's personal information and Office of Refugee Resettlement case files and records are maintained separately and apart from such children's immigration files (commonly known as <quote>A-Files</quote>); and </text></paragraph><paragraph id="idA6FDCDA1F5A8466EA5B9DC91DBBA45AA"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">such case files and records are not accessible by the Department of Homeland Security. </text></paragraph></section><section id="idFCCE2B2215B4466CBC6F901D07DD2F93"><enum>802.</enum><header>Prohibition on use for denial of relief or in removal proceedings</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">An unaccompanied noncitizen child's Office of Refugee Resettlement case file or record shall not be used by the Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General—</text><paragraph id="idDE447D251EA645A4878D0D7EDF611090"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">to deny any application for relief; or</text></paragraph><paragraph id="idC35A3D97339844438494332378D9B521"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">to facilitate involuntary removal in any proceeding, including expedited removal, reinstatement of removal, and proceedings under section 362 or 365 of the Public Health Service Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/42/265">42 U.S.C. 265</external-xref>, 268). </text></paragraph></section><section id="id27504C8AFDAF426597466C576B95371C"><enum>803.</enum><header>Disclosure</header><subsection id="idFF4FF551B3184DD49270159805B67EAB"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Informed consent required</header><paragraph id="id561584BC0070446397DF94CE4CB6325E"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The personal information and Office of Refugee Resettlement case file and records of an unaccompanied noncitizen child—</text><subparagraph id="id52D6FE9A6316472E88754F4C6577B906"><enum>(A)</enum><text>shall be confidential; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id4D6BF6116C9247FDA8CCE537EAA7E8B9"><enum>(B)</enum><text>subject to paragraph (2), may only be disclosed if the child has—</text><clause id="id472B1AE2114543D69CEDB12F797B5345"><enum>(i)</enum><text>consulted with the child's legal counsel; and</text></clause><clause id="id1D41A474923F4B5A9127E54E1EBCA51A"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>provided informed consent for disclosure. </text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="idf4799d0cdd764ccfa59d3bcd905fa342"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Children under 12 years of age</header><text>In the case of an unaccompanied noncitizen child under the age of 12 years, only the parent, legal guardian, or sponsor may provide consent for disclosure of the personal information or Office of Refugee Resettlement case file of the child.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id34fbc106c0c1434f8109ace22f9e909a"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Subsequent disclosure prohibited</header><text>Once disclosed, the personal information or Office of Refugee Resettlement case file of an unaccompanied noncitizen child may not be subsequently disclosed to a third party unless the child has—</text><subparagraph id="id25034a9a73eb4ca6b031e5f3d4ac79d4"><enum>(A)</enum><text>consulted with his or her legal counsel; and </text></subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id5DFB670A171B4D1F8432F48A2C485E6F"><enum>(B)</enum><text>provided informed consent for disclosure. </text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection></section><section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id8E0AD2FF1F5740C99F36A6FCE8AEF6D1"><enum>804.</enum><header>Prohibition on information sharing</header><subsection id="id18b9e44ebeba4560985a5fa820c9b964"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Child in custody and prospective sponsors</header><text>The Director may not provide any information about an unaccompanied noncitizen child in the custody of the Secretary, or prospective sponsors, to the Attorney General or the Secretary of Homeland Security without consent of the unaccompanied noncitizen child concerned or the prospective sponsor, as applicable, and the legal counsel of the child or sponsor, respectively. </text></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id896A932232EE441A976AB2CB851CDD84"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Immigration enforcement</header><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id22E29BFEBA4448099077AE81B41107A7"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The sharing of any information between the Office of Refugee Resettlement and the Department of Homeland Security for purposes of immigration enforcement is prohibited. </text></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id6B669F3C10A140D5ACF6E17C200236C4"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Explanation for prospective sponsors</header><text>The Director shall ensure that Office of Refugee Resettlement communications with sponsors and prospective sponsors, including the family reunification application packet, includes an explanation that information provided to the Office of Refugee Resettlement may only be shared with the Department of Homeland Security if the child and sponsor or prospective sponsor concerned have provided informed consent.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id10EF3D845E514FB88842047D1C2966D2"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Relief from removal</header><text>The sharing of any information between the Office of Refugee Resettlement and the Department of Homeland Security or the Department of Justice for purposes of relief from removal is prohibited. </text></subsection><subsection id="id4a0c01124b0948448a4a9ebd6e893b95"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Exceptions</header><paragraph id="ida26cbd500b614d22af82b77e49d22e62"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Secretary may provide for the disclosure of information in the same manner and circumstances as census information may be disclosed by the Secretary of Commerce under section 8 of title 13, United States Code.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id69b8e6b707a346f680b19330471c7084"><enum>(2)</enum><header>National security purposes</header><text>The Secretary may provide for the disclosure of information to national security officials to be used solely for a national security purpose in a manner that protects the confidentiality of such information. </text></paragraph><paragraph id="idC5D746DF395841638CB3B87E1065F773"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Law enforcement purposes</header><text>The Secretary may provide for the disclosure of information to law enforcement officials to be used solely for a legitimate law enforcement purpose in a manner that protects the confidentiality of such information.</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id9895EF402DE5412AB61F407C7AE398B0"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Eligibility for benefits</header><text>The Secretary may disclose information to Federal, State, and local public and private agencies providing benefits, to be used solely in making determinations of eligibility for benefits pursuant to section 431 of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/8/1641">8 U.S.C. 1641</external-xref>).</text></paragraph><paragraph id="id082856407DA6456AB04998AE9F515A8D"><enum>(5)</enum><header>Adjudication of applications for relief</header><text>Government entities adjudicating applications for relief under the immigration laws and government personnel carrying out mandated duties under section 101(i)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/8/1101">8 U.S.C. 1101(i)(1)</external-xref>), may, with the prior written consent of the noncitizen involved, communicate with nonprofit, nongovernmental victims’ service providers for the sole purpose of assisting victims in obtaining victim services from programs with expertise in working with immigrant victims. Agencies receiving referrals are bound by the provisions of this section. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed as affecting the ability of an applicant to designate a safe organization through which Governmental agencies may communicate with the applicant.</text></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="idC5C1DE04298B4616BD6E8ED79A557309"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Rule of construction</header><text>Subsections (a), (b), and (c) shall not be construed as preventing—</text><paragraph id="idCC69F03B9DA5473D991C54639DCA4303"><enum>(1)</enum><text>disclosure of information in connection with judicial review of a determination in a manner that protects the confidentiality of such information; or</text></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id7224036dc28745b6a37aa8ce5de3b04a"><enum>(2)</enum><text>the Secretary from disclosing to the chair and ranking members of the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate or the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives, for the exercise of congressional oversight authority, information on closed cases under this section in a manner that protects the confidentiality of such information and that omits personally identifying information (including locational information about individuals).</text></paragraph></subsection></section><section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id9F26F06A2DF04FBB81885F503A4280F7"><enum>805.</enum><header>Counseling records</header><subsection id="idef5aa0a119ff435996a908e4edd19b95"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Subject to subsection (b), information shared by an unaccompanied noncitizen child in counseling sessions, and written records and notes of counseling sessions, may not be shared with the child’s case management specialist or any other employee of the Office of Refugee Resettlement, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Justice, or the Department of Homeland Security.</text></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idF56CBDFB3BBB48C7BE948BA28D900137"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Disclosure</header><text>The information, records, and notes described in subsection (a) may be shared—</text><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id9B771648BEC14F608D3BB80FB6262C8A"><enum>(1)</enum><text>with an employee described in that subsection only if the child presents a documented imminent threat to himself or herself or to any other individual; or</text></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id613F2E3B50FA4B079B7A24256970AF11"><enum>(2)</enum><text>with the Department of Justice or the Department of Homeland Security if the child has—</text><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id4AA579FD404E4B35BB95C8DCA5CECF3C"><enum>(A)</enum><text>consulted with his or her legal counsel; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id51246CFFD5E64B4C9D372FA890CAB403"><enum>(B)</enum><text>provides informed consent for the disclosure.</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id63FBE67123E0403BACB6C772719E0F77"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Juvenile information</header><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idF9E428DC1ECA4A0087E0CE02AD0DE32A"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Juvenile information, including records of children separated from family, shall remain confidential regardless of the child's immigration status. </text></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id4F91B514659242EA9843FC879756189B"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Rule of construction</header><text>Nothing in this Act may be construed as authorizing—</text><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id542CD886B8FC4F6FB210A51CA8454261"><enum>(A)</enum><text>the disclosure of juvenile information to Federal officials absent a court order of the judge of the juvenile court on filing a petition;</text></subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id1E9A697D5E5B43F78F82FA032C9B31B4"><enum>(B)</enum><text>the dissemination of juvenile information to, or by, Federal officials absent a court order of the judge of the juvenile court on filing a petition; </text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id1aeacb8afeda4694b47f09cf7e885d0d"><enum>(C)</enum><text>the attachment of juvenile information to any other document given to, or provided by, Federal officials absent prior approval of the presiding judge of the juvenile court; or </text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id04636481EDDC4914882B8A734EA35EFF"><enum>(D)</enum><text>any disclosure that would otherwise violate this Act. </text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="id006FCD820D6D47D2BB6534A36F25F529"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Definition of juvenile information</header><text>In this section, the term <term>juvenile information</term> includes the juvenile case file and information related to a noncitizen child (including the name, date, and place of birth of the child, the child's health and education records, and the immigration status of the child) that is—</text><subparagraph id="idD7B7DBCEDD334B5E9460DB6B563D6792"><enum>(A)</enum><text>obtained or created independent of, or in connection with, immigration, asylum, or juvenile court proceedings of which the child is a subject; and </text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id7A12BF39D1C641B9A977F5209000213A"><enum>(B)</enum><text>maintained by any Federal or State agency, including a court, probation office, child welfare agency, or law enforcement agency.</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection></section><section id="idA9113E4EBFC4499392A19501D421A08C"><enum>806.</enum><header>Data protection for sponsors</header><subsection id="id95BE79C8DE174C4B9E7D38211E0DBC59"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">With respect to any information required of sponsors or prospective sponsors or any data collected in pursuit of sponsorship, the following protections shall apply:</text><paragraph id="id56D2F2AB4976445B9B812A331B667025"><enum>(1)</enum><text>Such information and data—</text><subparagraph id="idFE74F7AD79C94B5F932BEBFA36F01A18"><enum>(A)</enum><text>may not be disclosed for any purpose or effect other than reunification of the family unit, placement of a child with a sponsor, or oversight by Congress; </text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id0395C9734CFD4407ACB4D54524C529CE"><enum>(B)</enum><text>shall be immune from legal process; and</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id0A410C58E1DE4239BD4B497B5948B4A3"><enum>(C)</enum><text>shall not, without the consent of the sponsor or prospective sponsor concerned, be admitted as evidence or used for any purpose in any action, suit, or other judicial or administrative proceeding. </text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="idD4B62536310F4F48855CC671004870D0"><enum>(2)</enum><text>The Secretary or any other officer or employee of the Department of Health and Human Services may not—</text><subparagraph id="id84F044A82811472DAFD300747B65F5D1"><enum>(A)</enum><text>use such information or data for any purpose other than for purposes of reunification under section 235 of the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/8/1232">8 U.S.C. 1232</external-xref>);</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idEC81CB5D5CD749E49E78480F905F1013"><enum>(B)</enum><text>make any publication in which such information or data can be identified; or </text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="id7048722BAC8648F69E7B5B079033ECDD"><enum>(C)</enum><text>permit any individual other than the sworn officers and employees of the Department of Health and Human Services to examine such information or data. </text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection></section><enum>IX</enum><header>Miscellaneous provision</header><section section-type="subsequent-section" id="idE04616B0D1344C70B790EA5B6F29CED6"><enum>901.</enum><header>Rule of construction</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Nothing in this Act may be construed—</text><paragraph id="idA059A34A8D7B477BBCC8B897019294AD"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">to limit the rights of a noncitizen child—</text><subparagraph id="idEECFE6EE5A45445F8072C10A85B573E4"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">to preserve 1 or more issues for judicial review in the appeal of an individual case; or</text></subparagraph><subparagraph id="ide4bf32d6e56d477e95ea4d642a4c9bc7"><enum>(B)</enum><text>to exercise any independent right the noncitizen child may otherwise have;</text></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="id082932636bf84202bf46e7ffd54ba0a4"><enum>(2)</enum><text>to affect the application of the Flores settlement agreement to all children in immigration custody; </text></paragraph><paragraph id="id1477164e9e594e51854f16aa647fdc61"><enum>(3)</enum><text>to abrogate, modify, or replace the Flores settlement agreement; or </text></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idB9BE11E8BC1E4D668F4F2679D2834D3D"><enum>(4)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">to preclude or limit Flores settlement agreement class counsel from conducting independent investigations or seeking enforcement actions relating to violations of the Flores settlement agreement in any appropriate district court of the United States. </text></paragraph></section>