# Children's Safe Welcome Act of 2024
This bill comprehensively revises how the federal government treats immigrant children in custody, focusing on keeping families together, placing children in family-like settings, and ensuring legal protections.
**Key provisions include:**
**Family Separation Restrictions** — The bill prohibits separating children from parents or guardians except when there is clear evidence the parent poses a national security threat or is deportable on specific grounds, or when a child welfare expert documents the parent could cause serious harm. Department of Homeland Security employees cannot make these determinations.
**Border Processing Standards** — U.S. Customs and Border Protection can hold children only for initial processing, maximum 72 hours. Licensed child caregiving professionals must be present at ports of entry and detention facilities to provide basic care. Children must receive medical screening within 6 hours, adequate food and water, hygiene supplies, and access to recreation.
**Placement in Least Restrictive Settings** — Large congregate facilities (housing over 25 children) must be phased out within two years. The government must place children in family-based foster homes and small facilities, with mandatory timelines for family reunification. Children must have access to legal counsel and be appointed independent child advocates.
**Legal Protections** — All children get free legal representation and orientation presentations about their rights. Cases go through non-adversarial proceedings for asylum. Children can request judicial review of placement and sponsorship decisions. Records cannot be shared with immigration enforcement without consent.
**Services and Standards** — Children must receive education, medical and mental health care, recreation, and counseling. Facilities must meet strict standards for sanitation, nutrition, and safety.
**New Ombudsperson Office** — An independent watchdog office will monitor compliance, investigate complaints, and issue public reports. The Ombudsperson can visit facilities, subpoena documents, and make binding recommendations.
**Data Tracking** — The government must collect and publicly report detailed data on children in custody, including demographics, length of stay, facilities, and reunification timelines.
The bill authorizes funding for legal representation, child advocates, and additional immigration judges. It applies to all noncitizen children in immigration custody, whether apprehended alone or with family members.