NY A03271

Defines "unaccompanied minor" as a child without lawful immigration status who was in federal custody and either entered the U.S. unaccompanied or was separated from a parent or legal guardian.

Establishes eligibility for unaccompanied minors to receive health and behavioral health services, individual counseling, legal services, language services, employment assistance, and educational support.

Mandates legal representation through completion of immigration proceedings, including appeals, as a state charge for unaccompanied minors facing immigration proceedings.

Requires authorized agencies and out-of-state care providers to provide unaccompanied minors and their sponsors with referrals to immigration services liaisons, informational materials about available supports, and notice of right to counsel upon release.

Creates an immigration services liaison position within the Office for New Americans to connect unaccompanied minors with available supports and services prior to or upon release to a sponsor.