CALL TO ACTION: No child should be subjected to an invasive body search by an unvetted contractor.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has proposed changes to the Unaccompanied Children Program that would make immigrant children in federal custody less safe. The proposed rule would allow unvetted federal contractors, not licensed medical professionals, to examine children’s bodies for tattoos or other markings. It would also make it harder for children to leave federal custody and reunite with safe parents, relatives, and caregivers. Most of these children are not accused of wrongdoing. They are alone, separated from family, and often have no lawyer or trusted adult advocating for them. Submit a public comment opposing the proposed rule before the August 25 deadline and urge HHS to withdraw the proposed rule. https://act.theyoungcenter.org/ks2HFT0aoUuwDqJoBVMcaA2 Every public comment helps show HHS that parents, educators, health professionals, faith leaders, child-welfare experts, and people across the country expect the government to protect children from harm. Protect children. Keep families together.