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 Legal Support Centers in immigrant neighborhoods 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. Immigration status does not matter. 
  • Immigration Legal Support Hotline 
    • 1-800-354-0365 Monday - Friday, 9AM - 6PM 
      Interpretation is available. 

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.

A Sense of Belonging: Helping Migrant & Immigrant Youth Feel Valued

Wednesday, Feb 19 | 2:00 p.m.

“Youth Communication” will be hosting a webinar designed to help educators, youth-serving professionals, and advocates create environments where migrant and immigrant youth feel seen, supported, and safe.

Register

National Immigration Project: Unmasking Expedited Removal

Tuesday, February 25 | 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

Join the National Immigration Project for a webinar geared toward community defenders, advocates, and impacted community members to learn about the process of expedited removal and how to best prepare for it. Simultaneous interpretation in Spanish and Haitian Creole will be provided.

Register

NeighborsLink will be hosting several Know Your Rights Trainings. Click on the links below to register.

  • Know Your Rights: What the Immigrant Community Should Know
    February 26, 2025 at 8:30 p.m.
    Register
  • Know Your Rights: What Immigrant Allies Should Know
    March 11, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.
    Register
  • Know Your Rights: What the Immigrant Community Should Know
    March 12, 2025 at 6:30 p.m.
    Register
  • Know Your Rights: What the Immigrant Community Should Know (in Spanish)
    March 13, 2025 at 6:30 p.m.
    Register

NYIC Know Your Rights: ICE & Family Preparedness

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

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

Register

ACLU Know Your Rights Training

Twice a month; upcoming on March 3 at 4 p.m. or March 20 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

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