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ORR's Therapeutic Group Home providers specialize in the high-quality care of children who require heightened behavioral and/or mental health support. Care providers deliver clinical treatment within the context of a safe, home-like setting under the supervision of a licensed clinician. 

ORR's LTFC is a community-based form of care and the least restrictive placement option in the ORR continuum of care. In LTFC, unaccompanied children may receive services in foster homes, public schools, foster care agency offices, and counseling centers. 

 

Unaccompanied children in TFC live in licensed foster homes and receive most services at a central location operated by TFC provider staff. TFC provider staff must be available to accept children 24/7. While in care, children have access to essential activities and services.

Unaccompanied children are referred to ORR’s Unaccompanied Children Bureau by another federal agency, usually the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). ORR incorporates child welfare principles and the child’s best interests when making all placement, clinical, case management, and discharge decisions. 

This program will establish a Lived Experience Advisory Council and Youth Leadership Academy—the Council—of unaccompanied children formerly in ORR care and sponsors.

ORR releases unaccompanied children from its care to a vetted sponsor. ORR’s PRS assist unaccompanied children and their sponsors with the children’s transition to their new communities. 

As part of assessing the suitability of a potential sponsor, ORR may require a home study (HS). A home study includes an investigation of the living conditions in which the unaccompanied child would be placed and takes place prior to the child's physical release, the standard of care the child would receive, and interviews with the potential sponsor and others in the sponsor's household.

ORR places all children in the least restrictive setting possible. However, if a child requires additional support to ensure their safety or prevent them from running away, ORR may place a child in a Heightened Supervision Facility. These facilities maintain stricter security measures than a shelter, include close staff supervision, and extra support. 

Residential Treatment Center providers specialize in the high-quality care of children who have psychiatric or psychological issues that cannot be addressed in an outpatient setting and require heightened behavioral and/or mental health support. This comprehensive approach helps children stabilize, heal, and develop the skills necessary for long-term well-being and successful reintegration into their communities.

Discover the Pre-Application Toolkit for shelters and group homes under the Office of Refugee Resettlement. Ensure a safe, supportive environment for unaccompanied children.