Part B - Supporting Statement

B. Statistical Methods (used for collection of information employing statistical methods)

1. Respondent Universe and Sampling Methods

For the UAC Assessment Form, the respondent universe is all unaccompanied children who are referred to ORR.

For the Profiles, 25 respondents will be selected from recently arrived unaccompanied children in ORR custody. The group would include children ages 12-17, male and female, currently living in HHS/ACF residential facilities. They would be from the countries of Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala. Many children are not verbose about their past due to trauma and fear, therefore the pool of children will be selected by asking the shelters to identify children who are talkative and forthcoming in describing their reasons for migration. The concept is to create profiles and not conduct quantitative analysis, so the need for random sampling is outweighed by the need to get depth of narratives. This selection will also reduce the chances of causing harm to one of the children by delving into subjects that the child is not ready to discuss.

2. Procedures for the Collection of Information

For the Assessment Form, ORR staff will fill out the form for each child referred to ORR custody.

For the Profiles:

Each interviewer would be given a general script and orientation as to the nature of the request; the script and orientation developed by headquarters staff with training in research methods. The interviews would have some structure but have the ability to reach deep into the narrative, with the ability to end the interview if a child becomes distressed.

After identification, the child will be asked if s/he would like to participate. Consent will be obtained. The child will meet individually with the interviewer(s) in a private setting. The child will be informed that s/he can stop the conversation at any time, without penalty. As part of consent, an explanation will be provided to the child regarding the purpose of the study and uses of the data.

The interviewer(s) will proceed to discuss with the child why s/he came to the United States. This will include a significant amount of follow-up questions based upon the responses. The interviewer will not veer from the topic of reasons for migration and will redirect the child back to the topic as needed. To name a few topics that will not be researched: identities of people who lead the child to the United States, information about the trip or route, and the mechanics of how the child emigrated.

3. Methods to Maximize Response Rates and Deal with Nonresponse

For the Assessment Form, ORR staff will fill out the form for each child referred to ORR custody.

For the Profiles, participation in the interviews will be voluntary. If a child chooses not to participate ORR staff will identify a replacement. Only 25 interviews will take place.

4. Test of Procedures or Methods to be Undertaken

This item is not applicable.

5. Individuals Consulted on Statistical Aspects and Individuals Collecting and/or Analyzing Data

Tricia Swartz, Associate Deputy Director for Children’s Services, Office of Refugee Resettlement, 202-401-5145