Bill > A07815

This bill provides for supports and services for unaccompanied minors with no lawful immigration status, including legal representation. Key provisions include: - Defining "unaccompanied minor" as a child under 18 with no lawful immigration status who was in the custody of the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement and was not accompanied by a parent or legal guardian upon entry to the U.S. - Establishing that unaccompanied minors are eligible for a range of services and supports, including health/behavioral health services, counseling, legal services, language services, employment assistance, and education assistance. These services are not considered public benefits that would affect the minor's immigration status. - Requiring an "immigration services liaison" to connect unaccompanied minors to these services prior to being released to a sponsor. - Entitling unaccompanied minors to legal representation through immigration proceedings, with the state providing and compensating the legal representation. - Requiring authorized agencies and out-of-state care providers to provide unaccompanied minors and their sponsors with referrals to services, informational materials, and notification of the right to counsel. - Expanding Medicaid coverage to include additional children's mental health services and trauma-informed care for unaccompanied minors.