FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 13, 2024
CONTACT: Madison Allman | press@acaciajustice.org
Sacramento, CA – Hortencia Rodríguez Sandoval, director of community partnerships and state and local policy at the Acacia Center for Justice, released the following statement in response to reports that the state of California will extend funding for the Children’s Holistic Immigration Representation Project (CHIRP):
“Since the project’s launch in 2022, the Children’s Holistic Immigration Representation Project has provided trauma-informed care and legal services to unaccompanied children and youth who call California home. Our dedicated network of community-based legal service providers and advocates have equipped children across the state to register for school, access health care, and receive social and community support in addition to legal representation in immigration proceedings to address their unique needs. CHIRP’s holistic model ensures that the immigrant youth being served by the program enjoy safety, stability, and the ability to thrive in their new communities. . We are grateful to Governor Newsom’s leadership and prioritization of this critical issue and thank the many advocates,community members and legislative champions who fought for funding of this, and other, life-changing programs to be restored during this challenging budget year.
“California has long led the nation with innovative, immigrant-inclusive, and evidence-based policies like CHIRP that recognize our shared humanity and the importance of our collective well-being. We look forward to working with our partners at the Governor’s office, the California Department of Social Services(CDSS), and community organizations across the state to continue and expand access to this program so that all children who call California home can have a fair shot at justice.”
Learn more about CHIRP here: An Innovative Project for Unaccompanied Kids in California (short version) 4k – YouTube
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