Caught between a Rock and a Hard Place: The Gap between Rights-related Policies and Educational Opportunities for Unaccompanied Im/migrant Children in Detention

This research examines the gap between federal and state legal standards and policies related to educational provision for school-age youth detained in the United States, and secondary evidence documenting the educational services that are provided to unaccompanied im/migrant children in federal custody. The educational provision for unaccompanied youth in detention is both defined as a human right and mandated by federal and state law. But, in spite of legislation and policies at the international, national, and state levels, the implementation of education is inconsistent for unaccompanied children in US federal custody at shelters and care facilities nationwide. More specifically, ample evidence suggests there is no system of educational accountability for education provided to unaccompanied minors and other im/migrant children in federal custody at these detention centers, shelters, and care facilities.