FOR RELEASE: September 15, 2014

CONTACT: Stephanie Niedringhaus, 202-347-9797 x224, sniedringhaus@networklobby.org

Washington DC: NETWORK today released the following statement regarding the “justice AmeriCorps” program:

NETWORK, A National Catholic Social Justice Lobby, applauds U.S Attorney General Eric Holder’s announcement that organizations providing legal assistance to children coming to the U.S. will receive $1.8 million in grant money from the U.S. Department of Justice. This is a significant amount of money for organizations with very tight budgets.

It is imperative that unaccompanied children receive legal services as they navigate the U.S. asylum process. We have been horrified by stories of very young children appearing before judges with no legal counsel whatsoever. Clearly, they are at a huge disadvantage under such circumstances and, just as clearly, that is unjust.

We are also pleased that justice AmeriCorps members will help spot children who have been victimized because of human trafficking and abuse, and that they will help guide them to support services and authorities who can investigate and prosecute these crimes.

This news is a welcome step toward providing innocent children with the help they deserve.

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