HHS's Office of Refugee Resettlement Improved Coordination and Outreach to Promote the Safety and Well-Being of Unaccompanied Alien Children

Each year, tens of thousands of children without legal status enter the United States unaccompanied by their parents or legal guardians. These children are referred to as unaccompanied alien children (UAC). Between fiscal years 2012 and 2016, the number of UAC entering the United States increased dramatically. Concern for the safety and well-being of these children after their release from Federal custody has risen in recent years, especially in response to cases of human trafficking.