Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) helps unaccompanied immigrant and refugee children who come to the United States without legal status and without their parents or legal guardians. Many are fleeing pervasive violence in Central America—El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala—from which their governments cannot or will not protect them. They are survivors of gang violence, gender-based violence, or have suffered due to the abuse or neglect of a parent. All of these children are placed in immigration proceedings to remove them from the United States and are not appointed counsel to represent them. It is nearly impossible for children to navigate the U.S. immigration system without an attorney. With the help of an attorney like you, they are almost 100 times more likely to see their case succeed in immigration court.

KIND has many children currently waiting for an attorney in Los Angeles. Your support will not only change the life of your client but will contribute to creating a more just and equitable legal system for children.

KIND recruits volunteer lawyers to represent children in their removal (deportation) proceedings and help the children apply for a form of relief from removal, such as Asylum or Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS). Asylum is for children who fear persecution in their home country and SIJS is for children who has been abused, abandoned or neglected by one or both parents and involves obtaining a state court order, usually custody or guardianship. No previous immigration experience is necessary. KIND’s Los Angeles office serves children residing in Los Angeles, Orange, and Riverside counties.