Project Profile: Kids in Need of Defense
Organizational Overview
Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) was founded in 2008 and has offices across the United States and Mexico that provide pro bono representation and other legal services to detained and released unaccompanied and separated children. KIND offers comprehensive guidance and training to private sector pro bono attorneys so they can represent thousands of unaccompanied children in their immigration proceedings. Before the pandemic, KIND attorneys regularly conducted in-person trainings, intake clinics, and office hours at pro bono partner offices. KIND staff also attended networking events to recruit new volunteers. Further along the volunteer retention and training cycle, KIND conducted mock asylum interviews and immigration hearings.
Finding Solutions During the Pandemic
During the pandemic, KINDÂ’s strategies focused on providing a range of trainings and guidance for pro bono attorneys, particularly to acclimate to a new way of working with clients. KIND found this additional support was critical for successful volunteer recruitment, representation, and retention in a remote environment.
With differing procedures for COVID era hearings in both immigration and state courts, KIND conducted virtual trainings and provided written guidance on making remote court appearances, obtaining the necessary client signatures remotely, and understanding changing court and immigration agency procedures. KIND supplemented this information with weekly e-mail updates and one-on-one guidance on any challenges with remote appearance. Although KIND benefited from increased training attendance by pro bono volunteers, due to the ease of fitting a virtual training into a busy schedule, creating connection via virtual trainings can be challenging. KIND used interactive and engaging training methods such videos, hypotheticals, and active discussion. Finally, KIND adapted their limited scope and case launch clinics to a virtual format, by training participants on representing children, arranging interpretation, setting up virtual meeting rooms, and having KIND attorneys virtually available to answer any questions during the initial client meeting. Remote representation also meant that location is not considered a barrier for representation, allowing for pro bono case staffing with attorneys in different locations.
Working remotely with a child client presents unique difficulties, including building trust. KIND developed trainings and written guidance focusing on trauma-informed interview techniques. These trainings addressed dealing with technology barriers that clients may have and shared tips and strategies for approaching interviews using mobile phone and video platforms. KIND also highlighted important considerations when conducting remote advocacy such as planning logistics in advance, narrowing goals for each meeting, and ensuring client confidentiality.
Contributed by:
Nirupa L. Narayan
Senior Director for Pro Bono Partnerships Kids in Need of Defense