In September, we were appointed as Child Advocate for Kacee,* a teenager full of kindness and warmth for the other children in custody. Just two months earlier, Kacee was forced to flee Nicaragua to escape violence. When we met Kacee, she was eight days away from turning 18. When children in government custody turn 18, they are often transferred into ICE adult detention, transported in shackles. Children hear stories about or witness other children being taken away the morning of their birthday, and they’re terrified.

But no child becomes an adult overnight. No child should fear going to jail on their 18th birthday. We knew we had to secure Kacee's release from government custody before her birthday. After meeting with her, we learned that her godfather and his family wanted her to come live with them. With this information in hand, we advocated with government officials to release her from custody and prevent her transfer to an ICE detention center. Thankfully, our advocacy was successful and Kacee was released and united her family on her birthday! Tomorrow, Kacee gets to celebrate the New Year in the safety of her new home.

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*Child's name changed to protect her privacy.