An unprecedented number of children from Central America are coming to Tennessee after being placed here by the DHS/Office of Refugee Resettlement. Many are traumatized by extreme violence and speak no English and need competent legal representation.

This session will cover the complex legal process these vulnerable children face including filing a Special Immigrant Juvenile Petition, deportation proceedings and issues that arise in juvenile court. Under federal law, a state juvenile court may make findings that declare the minor dependent, neglected or abandoned, or legally committed to or placed into the custody of a state agency or department. The juvenile court must also find that reunification with one or both parents is not viable and that it is not in the child’s best interests to return to his/her home country to allow the juvenile to file for residency. Once a special immigrant juvenile order is obtained, the minor may terminate deportation proceedings and become a legal resident. Are you up to the challenge?

SAVE MONEY: Use the prepaid CLE credits that come with your TBA Complete Membership and take this course for free. Not a TBA member, join now to start saving.