SIJS – Family Court Judge’s Role

• Federal immigration law empowers family court judges to issue the special findings necessary for a juvenile to apply for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS).
• While a family court judge’s special finding allows a juvenile to take a first step toward applying for SIJS, immigration officials are SOLELY responsible for deciding whether a juvenile is eligible for SIJS.

SIJS in NY Courts

Special Findings must be made by a state court judge.

• Some of the proceedings where special findings are available include:
  • Article 10 Proceedings (Abuse & Neglect)
  • Voluntary Placement/Destitute Child Cases
  • Adoptions
  • Guardianship Proceedings
  • Custody/Support Proceedings (varies by judicial department)
  • PINS Proceedings
  • Juvenile Delinquency Proceedings
  • Family Offense Proceedings