Community

Community Resources

Resources


Dear Children’s Aid community members,

We understand that navigating an ever-changing landscape can be challenging. That’s why we’re committed to sharing reliable information and essential resources to support you.  

While New York City and New York State have laws that protect our communities, it’s important to stay informed about policies and rights at the local and national levels. This page provides up-to-date guidance on immigration, knowing your rights, and accessing critical support.

Below are some trustworthy resources for New Yorkers from the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs, New York Immigration Coalition, New York Lawyers for Public Interest, and Lawyers Alliance for New York.

Know Your Rights

  • Know Your Rights Resources for Immigrant New Yorkers 
    • Includes downloadable booklets, contact information, and more resources. 
  • Know Your Rights with ICE Booklet
    • Frequently asked questions on your rights if an agent approaches you. 
    • Available in multiple languages including English, Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, French, Haitian Creole, Korean, Polish, Russian, and Spanish.
  • What to do after a friend of family member is detained by ICE/Immigration  
    • If ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) agents detain a friend or family member, there may be resources available to them. This booklet only gives general information and is not intended to be used as legal advice. Consult an attorney for legal advice. 
    • Available in multiple languages including English, Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, French, Haitian Creole, Korean, Polish, Russian, and Spanish.
  • Sanctuary City Laws in NYC  
    • New York City’s sanctuary laws prioritize public safety, due process, and trust over immigration enforcement.
    • Available in multiple languages including English, Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, French, Haitian Creole, Korean, Polish, Russian, and Spanish.
  • Bill of Rights for Parents of English Language Learners.  

Legal Support

  • Immigration Legal Support Centers 
    • The Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs has multiple Legal Support Centers across the City that offers New Yorkers free, safe immigration legal help. These centers are housed in community sites, public health facilities, public schools, and libraries. Services are provided in your language and immigration status does not matter. However, this program is intended to serve individuals who are NYC residents & are income eligible (200% of the Federal Poverty Level).
    • The MOIA Immigration Legal Support Centers provide:
      • Free legal screenings to find out if you qualify for any immigration benefit
      • Free legal help from an experienced attorney or accredited representative for a range of cases including:
        • Citizenship
        • Green card applications and renewals
        • Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
        • Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
      • Referrals to City-funded and community-based resources and support services
    • To learn more, you can call the City-funded, free & safe MOIA Immigration Legal Support Hotline at 1-800-354-0365, or call 311 and say "immigration Legal", between 9:00AM to 6:00PM, Monday - Friday. Interpretation is available.
    • You can also visit this site in several languages: MOIA Legal Support Centers - MOIA
  • Directory of Free to Low Cost Legal Service Providers

Immigrant Caregivers and Standby Guardianship

  • MOIA Recommendations: PLAN for the future if you are worried your child’s caregiver may be separated from your child because of immigration enforcement: 
    • Contact a free and trusted legal services provider for advice and information. 
    • Choose a standby guardian, also known as a “backup” caregiver, in case you are separated from your child. 
    • Choose an emergency contact and memorize their phone number. This should be someone that you trust and can include your lawyer. 
    • Update emergency contact information at your child’s school. 
  •  For free, safe immigration legal help, including help designating a standby guardian, you can call 1-800-354-0365 between 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday to Friday and say, "Immigration Legal." 
  • For more information about standby guardianship, please visit the Immigrant Caregivers page. 

Statewide Community Toolkit

For Nonprofits

Our Commitment to Inclusion and Support 

At Children's Aid, we are dedicated to fostering a welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment for all. We stand firmly against discrimination in any form and believe that any family – regardless of race, ethnicity, or nationality – deserves the opportunity to build a stable and fulfilling life.  

Staying Informed 

Policies and leadership decisions continue to evolve rapidly. We remain committed to providing up-to-date, reliable resources, informed by guidance from local and state authorities, trusted partner organizations, and internal policy and legal teams. The resources on this page have been carefully vetted to ensure they best support the families we serve.  

We understand that many families, staff, and young people feel uncertain in these times. Please know that we are here, standing with you, and working together to keep our communities safe and informed. 

With gratitude, 
The Children’s Aid Team 

 

 

Events

In the coming weeks, a series of vital trainings and webinars will provide educators, advocates, and community members with the tools to support immigrant youth, navigate legal challenges, and prepare for encounters with immigration enforcement. From creating safe spaces for immigrant youth to understanding expedited removal and Know Your Rights trainings, these events offer essential insights and resources. Explore the opportunities below and register to learn more about how you can support children, youth, and families.

LatinoJustice PRLDEF Education Townhall

Wednesday, March 25 | 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Join civil rights organization LatinoJustice PRLDEF to hear community concerns about actions by the current federal administration and how they are impacting our students, family, and staff. We want to hear about ICE visits to educational facilities, policies you have in place to protect students and staff, and resources we can gather.

Register

ACLU Know Your Rights Training

Twice a month; upcoming on April 7 at 4 p.m. or April 24 at 8 p.m.

Join one of the ACLU's Know Your Rights Trainings to learn about your rights and understand how you can protect communities facing escalating threats.

Register

CUNY Law Know Your Rights Training

Wednesday, April 9 | 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

The webinar is geared for participants working with immigrant families. Participants will learn about emergency planning and how to protect minor children in case of a parent's detention or deportation.

Register

 

Previous Events

How Nonprofits, Faith Groups & Businesses Can Protect Immigrants

Thursday, Feb. 13 | 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

To help local organizations, businesses, and faith-based groups better protect immigrants, Deputy Speaker Ayala, Council Member Aviles, and NFP partners are hosting an informational session.

Watch the recording.

NYIC Know Your Rights Training

Wednesday, March 19 | 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

The New York Immigration Coalition hosted a virtual training for staff and volunteers of NY-based nonprofit organizations to provide essential information on individuals' rights if ICE arrives at their home. They covered how to prepare family members in the event of detention, specifically focusing on document collection and custody planning.

Watch the recording.


 

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