Switchboard

Unaccompanied Refugee Minor (URM) service providers require a special combination of skills and training encompassing expertise in child welfare and refugee resettlement. Yet there are limited options for training and few dedicated spaces that speak directly to the unique needs of the URM program and clients. This CoP is for caseworkers, recruitment and retention staff, managers, supervisors, and others whose role directly supports URM clients. We will discuss available services, networks, and resources available to URM clients to support their successful growth and outcomes. This group will also provide invaluable opportunities for networking, sharing best practices, and collaborating across the URM network. All CoP members are asked to co-facilitate one session annually on a topic selected by the community. Co-facilitators do not need to be experts on the chosen topic nor prepare any formal presentation; they will collaborate with other facilitators to frame the conversation, including discussion questions and activities. This model ensures the community is peer-led and maximizes the sharing of ideas and resources responsive to the needs and expertise of participating members. This CoP meets on the second Thursday of every month from 4–5 PM ET. Note: This CoP will focus on services for Unaccompanied Refugee Minors (URMs), not Unaccompanied Children (UCs). For training and technical assistance on Unaccompanied Children, see ICF.