Detained Adult Program
The Detained Adult Program provides client-centered legal representation and trauma-sensitive support to adults detained by the government.
Our approach
How we set our clients up for success through the legal process and beyond.
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Legal orientation
We offer legal information, intakes, brief legal advice, and pro bono counsel to people in detention.
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Direct representation
We provide free direct legal representation to immigrants who are detained and serve as court appointed attorneys for people living with mental or developmental health conditions.
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Social services
We connect clients with resources in their communities to holistically address their needs beyond the scope of their legal case.
Legal orientation
How we step up for people fighting their cases alone.
We visit detention facilities to host “Know Your Rights” presentations and provide key information about the immigration process. This allows people in detention to make informed decisions about their cases.
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“Know Your Rights” presentations
We host group orientations to let people know about their rights and the resources they are legally entitled to and to empower them to advocate for themselves.
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Individual orientations
We meet with people one-on-one to offer personalized information regarding their unique circumstances.
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Pro se workshops
We offer group workshops to pro se individuals in detention who have similar legal issues. Pro se, which is Latin for “in one’s own defense,” refers to people who represent themselves in immigration court.
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Intake interview
Our attorneys help people determine the next steps for their cases, including pro bono referrals and scheduled follow-ups.
Direct representation
Everybody deserves an attorney.
That’s why our attorneys and pro bono partners provide high-quality legal representation to as many people as possible every day.
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In-house defense attorneys
We are the only organization in the Capital region primarily focused on providing free legal services to immigrants who are detained and at risk of deportation.
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Pro bono partners
We partner with law firms, corporate legal departments, law school clinics, and other non-profits to place hundreds of client cases with pro bono partners. Leveraging this volunteer support with our in-house capacity means more people are able to receive free direct legal representation.
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National Qualified Representative Program
We offer court-appointed legal representation to immigrants who are detained with mental health conditions or developmental disabilities and would otherwise lack representation—many of whom have survived persecution or violence in their countries of origin.
The extra mile
We support our clients holistically.
Our Social Services team strives to help address our clients’ immediate and long-term needs. From referring people to essential resources, to creating detailed post-release plans, to coordinating independent psychological evaluations—our program is part of a holistic approach to client support.
Stories of impact
Our clients come first. Always.
From assisting people seeking asylum to reuniting families, we strive to ensure everyone navigating the immigration system feels safe and supported. Here are some stories from people we have been honored to work with over the years.
More programs
Explore more of our nationally recognized work to see how we’re creating a more just immigration system and ensuring people who are detained have access to due process and expert direct legal representation.
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