Volunteering as a Young Center Child Advocate means being a reliable, trustworthy, and professional presence for children who are in federal custody, and accordingly, we have a thorough clearance and training process. We get to know prospective volunteers through an initial screening interview, an application and reference check, and at the required two-day training.

In order to be eligible to enter the detention centers, volunteers must also submit to an FBI background check, a child abuse and neglect (CAN) background check, and a medical screening for tuberculosis.

Once assigned to an individual child, each Child Advocate receives continuing training, support, and supervision from the Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights.