What States Have Reunification Camps for Foster Children?

AvatarByDale Richard Camping

What States Have Reunification Camps?

The United States has a long and complicated history with immigration. In recent years, the issue of immigration has become increasingly politicized, with some politicians calling for the construction of new “reunification camps” to house undocumented immigrants.

But what exactly are these camps, and which states have them? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the issue of reunification camps, including their history, their purpose, and the states that have them.

We’ll also explore the arguments for and against these camps, and we’ll provide some concluding thoughts on the matter.

Table of States with Reunification Camps

| State | Camp Name | Location |
|—|—|—|
| California | Central California Reunification Center | Merced County |
| Florida | Homestead Temporary Shelter for Unaccompanied Children | Miami-Dade County |
| Texas | Tornillo Tent City | El Paso County |
| Arizona | Casa Padre | Brownsville |
| New Mexico | Hope Border Initiative | Tornillo |

Overview of Reunification Camps

Definition of Reunification Camps

Reunification camps are temporary shelters that provide housing and services to unaccompanied migrant children who are crossing the border into the United States. These children are typically from Central America and Mexico, and they have been separated from their parents or guardians while traveling north.

History of Reunification Camps

The first reunification camps were established in the United States in 2014, in response to a surge in the number of unaccompanied migrant children crossing the border. The Trump administration significantly expanded the use of these camps in 2018, as part of its crackdown on illegal immigration.

Purpose of Reunification Camps

The purpose of reunification camps is to provide safe and temporary housing for unaccompanied migrant children while they await their legal proceedings. The camps also provide social services and educational programming to help these children adjust to their new surroundings.

Types of Reunification Camps

There are two main types of reunification camps in the United States:

  • Government-run camps: These camps are operated by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). They are typically located in remote areas, and they provide basic shelter and services to unaccompanied migrant children.
  • Non-government-run camps: These camps are operated by private organizations, such as churches and charities. They are typically located in urban areas, and they provide more comprehensive services to unaccompanied migrant children, such as educational programming and mental health counseling.

Location of Reunification Camps

There are currently over 100 reunification camps in operation in the United States. These camps are located in all 50 states, as well as the District of Columbia. The majority of the camps are located in Texas, Arizona, and California.

Current Status of Reunification Camps

Number of Reunification Camps in Operation

As of March 2023, there are over 100 reunification camps in operation in the United States. These camps are housing over 20,000 unaccompanied migrant children.

Number of Children in Reunification Camps

As of March 2023, there are over 20,000 unaccompanied migrant children in reunification camps in the United States. The majority of these children are from Central America and Mexico.

Conditions in Reunification Camps

The conditions in reunification camps vary depending on the camp. However, some of the challenges that have been reported include:

  • Overcrowding: Many of the camps are overcrowded, which can lead to health and safety problems.
  • Lack of privacy: Children in the camps often share rooms with other children, which can make it difficult to get the rest and privacy they need.
  • Inadequate food and water: Some of the camps have been criticized for providing inadequate food and water to the children.
  • Lack of educational programming: Many of the camps do not provide adequate educational programming for the children.
  • Lack of mental health services: Many of the children in the camps have experienced trauma, and they need access to mental health services.

Criticisms of Reunification Camps

The reunification camps have been criticized for a number of reasons, including:

  • The camps are not safe: The camps are overcrowded and lack privacy, which can lead to health and safety problems.
  • The camps are not humane: The children in the camps are often treated like prisoners, and they do not have access to the basic necessities they need.
  • The camps are ineffective: The camps do not do a good job of reuniting children with their families.

The reunification camps are a controversial issue in the United States. Some people believe that the camps are necessary to protect children, while others believe that the camps are inhumane and ineffective. The future of the reunification camps is uncertain, but it is clear that this is a complex issue with no easy solutions.

What States Have Reunification Camps?

  • Alabama
  • DHR Reunification Services
  • [Website](https://dhr.alabama.gov/reunification-services/)
  • [Phone](334) 242-1554
  • Alaska
  • Division of Child and Family Services
  • [Website](https://dhss.alaska.gov/cfs/)
  • [Phone](907) 465-2914
  • Arizona
  • Department of Child Safety
  • [Website](https://dcs.az.gov/)
  • [Phone](602) 542-4000
  • Arkansas
  • Department of Human Services
  • [Website](https://dhs.arkansas.gov/)
  • [Phone](501) 682-8400
  • California
  • Department of Social Services
  • [Website](https://www.cdss.ca.gov/)
  • [Phone](800) 422-4453
  • Colorado
  • Department of Human Services
  • [Website](https://www.colorado.gov/cdhs/)
  • [Phone](303) 866-5999
  • Connecticut
  • Department of Children and Families
  • [Website](https://www.dcf.ct.gov/)
  • [Phone](800) 842-2288
  • Delaware
  • Division of Family Services
  • [Website](https://www.delaware.gov/dhs/dfservices/)
  • [Phone](302) 744-4700
  • Florida
  • Department of Children and Families
  • [Website](https://www.myflfamilies.com/cs/families/child-protective-services/reunification-services)
  • [Phone](800) 422-4453
  • Georgia
  • Department of Human Services
  • [Website](https://dhr.georgia.gov/)
  • [Phone](404) 657-5555
  • Hawaii
  • Department of Human Services
  • [Website](https://dhs.hawaii.gov/)
  • [Phone](808) 587-3700
  • Idaho
  • Department of Health and Welfare
  • [Website](https://dhw.idaho.gov/)
  • [Phone](208) 334-5350
  • Illinois
  • Department of Children and Family Services
  • [Website](https://www.dcfs.illinois.gov/)
  • [Phone](800) 252-2873
  • Indiana
  • Department of Child Services
  • [Website](https://www.in.gov/dcs/)
  • [Phone](317) 232-5430
  • Iowa
  • Department of Human Services
  • [Website](https://dhs.iowa.gov/)
  • [Phone](515) 281-5984
  • Kansas
  • Department for Children and Families
  • [Website](https://www.dcf.ks.gov/)
  • [Phone](785) 296-3235
  • Kentucky
  • Cabinet for Health and Family Services
  • [Website](https://chfs.ky.gov/)
  • [Phone](502) 564-6999
  • Louisiana
  • Department of Children and Family Services
  • [Website](https://dcfs.la.gov/)
  • [Phone](225) 342-4323
  • Maine
  • Department of Health and Human Services
  • [Website](https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/)
  • [Phone](207) 287-5561
  • Maryland
  • Department of Human Services
  • [Website](https://dhs.maryland.gov/)
  • [Phone](4

    the United States currently has three states that operate reunification camps: Arizona, Texas, and California. These camps are designed to provide temporary housing and services to undocumented immigrant children who have been separated from their parents at the border. The camps have been the subject of controversy, with critics arguing that they are inhumane and that the children should be reunited with their parents as quickly as possible. However, the Trump administration has defended the camps, arguing that they are necessary to protect the children and that they will help to deter illegal immigration. It remains to be seen how long the camps will remain in operation, and whether or not they will be successful in achieving their goals.

Author Profile

Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.