Become an Advocate

Make a difference in the life of an unaccompanied immigrant child by volunteering to serve as a Child Advocate for a child in Chicago.

Who are Child Advocates? A Child Advocate is an adult who volunteers to spend time with and advocate on behalf of an individual unaccompanied immigrant child while he or she is subject to immigration removal proceedings.

Who can be a Child Advocate? We welcome volunteers from all cultures, professions, races, ethnicities and social backgrounds. Advocates must be at least 21 years old. We have a particular need for bilingual volunteers who speak Spanish, Mandarin, Arabic, Hindi or Gujarati.

Is there training or support for Advocates? Before being assigned, Child Advocates are required to complete a two-day training session on child development, communicating with children, U.S. immigration law and issues facing unaccompanied immigrant children. Once assigned to an individual child, each Advocate receives continuing support, guidance and supervision from Center Staff.

What do Child Advocates commit to do?

  • Visit with the child each week.
  • Advocate for the best interests of the child.
  • Help the child think through decisions.
  • Accompany the child to court hearings and other important meetings.
  • Gather information about the child’s situation in his or her home country.
  • Draft a written report regarding best interests recommendations.
  • Maintain communication with the Project Director, the child’s Case Manager at the shelter and the child’s attorney.

If you are interested in volunteering to be a Child Advocate, please complete and return the Application

or contact the

Immigrant Child Advocacy Center at the University of Chicago
773 702-0349
info@immigrantchildadvocacy.org