Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires the Department of Health and Human Services to consider additional information when determining placement for unaccompanied immigrant children in its custody, including flight risk, potential danger to the child's self or community, and gang-affiliation.

Highlights:

• Requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to consider additional information when it makes placement determinations for unaccompanied immigrant children in its custody (Sec. 2).

• Specifies that under current law, HHS is required to do both of the following in the placement of unaccompanied immigrant children (Sec. 2):

• Place a child in the least restrictive setting that is in the child's best interest; and

• Assess the safety and suitability of a sponsor prior to placing a child with that sponsor.

• Requires (currently, permits) HHS to consider the child's danger to self, danger to the community, and flight risk in determining the least restrictive setting (Sec. 3).

• Requires placement in a secure facility in the case of a child who is 13 years of age or older and has gang-related markings or tattoos or a history of gang-related arrests or criminal conduct (Sec. 3).

• Requires HHS, in assessing the safety and suitability of a sponsor, to collect and provide to the Department of Homeland Security information about all adult residents of the household, including name, date of birth, Social Security number, immigration status, contact information, and the results of all background and criminal records checks (Sec. 3).

• Prohibits HHS from placing a child with a sponsor who is unlawfully present in the United States (Sec. 3).

Full Bill Text

Full Bill Text