children

Human Rights Initiative's Women and Children's Program provides free legal representation to immigrant children in North Texas who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected. We represent victims of human trafficking - children who have been smuggled into the country for forced labor or prostitution. We work with children who have been victims of abuse in foreign countries, at the hands of their parents or their own governments. Even in the United States, immigrant children can be the most persecuted and vulnerable group because they are children and they are not U.S. citizens.

HRI is the only agency in Dallas that is providing free legal services to these children. Relief can take many forms. Children who have fled persecution in their home countries may qualify for asylum. Some may qualify for special juvenile status if they have been abused, abandoned, or neglected. Child victims of human trafficking may qualify for special visas. We also work to address the child's social needs, which can be great in cases of abuse and persecution.

We believe that the North Texas community and its children benefit when we address the legal and social needs of these victims. An immigrant child living in Dallas who is given hope for a better life has the greatest chance to succeed personally and make a contribution to our community.

Melissa Weaver, Attorney, and Evangelina Barreda, Legal Assistant, are leading the efforts of the Women and Children's Program.  To contact them directly via e-mail, please click on their name above. They can also be reached at 214-855-0520. We welcome your support, and we are happy to answer any questions you may have.