KIND was founded by the Microsoft Corporation and UNHCR Special Envoy Angelina Jolie, and is the leading national organization that works to ensure that no refugee or immigrant child faces immigration court alone. We do this in partnership with over 600 law firms, corporate legal departments, law schools, and bar associations. KIND has served more than 18,300 children since 2009, and trained over 42,000 private sector attorneys, paralegals, and law students to provide them with high quality representation in their deportation proceedings. KIND promotes protection of children in countries of origin and transit countries and works to address the root causes of child migration from Central America. KIND also advocates to change law, policy, and practices to improve the protection of unaccompanied children in the United States, by educating policymakers, the media, and the broader public about the violence that is driving children out of Central America and their need for protection.
(link to PDF of updated 10 yr timeline)
Separated from his aunt at the U.S. border at just 15, Andy spent years navigating uncertainty and fear while seeking protection. With support from KIND and access to legal representation, he pursued Special Immigrant Juvenile Status and eventually gained permanent residency. Today, Andy is building a future as a business owner and hopes to help […]
Read How One Teen Found Safety and a Future With Legal SupportThis brief from the CO.A.ST – My Coming of Age Story project highlights innovative practices across Europe that strengthen guardianship and protection systems for unaccompanied children. Drawing on experiences in France, Italy, Greece, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia, it identifies approaches such as child-centered participation, peer support networks for guardians, interdisciplinary cooperation, and structured aftercare that […]
Read Inspiring Practices: CO.A.ST - My Coming of Age StoryA new policy brief from the CO.A.ST – My Coming of Age Story project highlights the urgent need to strengthen guardianship systems for unaccompanied and separated children across Europe. Drawing on research in six countries, the brief outlines recommendations to ensure guardians are properly trained, resourced, and supported so that young people can safely transition […]
Read Recommendations for Supporting Guardians Assisting Unaccompanied and Separated Children in the Transition to AdulthoodAs part of the CO.A.ST – My Coming of Age Story project, this article explores the French guardianship system for unaccompanied foreign minors through the experience of Éric, a volunteer administrateur ad hoc. Working primarily in airport waiting zones, he represents children in legal and asylum procedures, ensuring their rights and protection during a critical […]
Read Growing up in Europe: The Story of a GuardianMegan McKenna, Senior Director of Communications and Community Engagement mmckenna@supportkind.org
Alexandra Pender, Senior Communications Manager, apender@supportkind.org
Alejandra Paz, Communications Project Coordinator, apaz@supportkind.org
