Volunteer Opportunities
The Center is always looking for energetic volunteers to support our mission and expand the impact of our work! Here are a few opportunities to engage directly with our work:
SIJS Pro Bono Project
CCA trains and provides guidance and technical assistance to pro bono attorneys to represent undocumented children and youth in state probate court as part of the process to secure Special Immigrant Juvenile Status. Securing SIJS allows children/youth, who have been abused, neglected, and abandoned, to remain legally in the U.S. and places them on a pathway to securing permanent legal residence and U.S. citizenship.
Attorneys representing children and youth through CCA’s SIJS Pro Bono Project represent them in Connecticut State Probate Court to secure a guardianship decree and a predicate decree finding that the child/youth is eligible to apply to federal immigration authorities (USCIS) to obtain SIJ status.
Attorneys interested in providing pro bono representation through CCA’s Pro Bono Project:
- Must be admitted to practice in CT state court
- Participate in CCA’s training
- Accept a case referral to represent a child/youth in state probate court on a petition for guardianship and petition for SIJ findings
Throughout the case representation, CCA provides close support and guidance including case strategy sessions, review of draft pleadings, and consultation for hearing preparation.
The number of immigrant children and youth in need of legal representation is overwhelming and the need is urgent, as children have a limited time to avail themselves of this immigration relief before they turn 21 and lose the opportunity forever. Our pro bono attorneys make a lasting difference in the lives of immigrant children and youth. For more information contact Attorney Sabrina Tavi.
Volunteer Interpreter
CCA is looking for Spanish-English bilingual volunteers to support our attorneys who provide legal services to Spanish-speaking clients. Volunteers provide translation support during client intake calls, meetings and telephone follow-up and may assist with document translation as well. For more information about Volunteer Interpreter opportunities contact Nallely Acosta.
Birthday, Graduation, and Holiday Gift Drives
CCA works closely with our community partners through our birthday, graduation and holiday gift drives. CCA needs volunteers throughout the year, and especially during the end of year holidays, to support these gift drives to coordinate gift donation needs and requests, to liaise with community partners to secure cards and gifts, and to organize gift delivery, wrapping and distribution of the gifts. For more information about CCA’s 2024-2025 Birthday, Graduation and Holiday Gift Drives please contact Eileen Brennan.
Internship Opportunities
Please note that the Center does not have funding to pay for internships. Students must secure their own funding from their law school or another source, or be willing to volunteer their time for an internship with the Center.
Applicants must have excellent writing and legal reasoning skills and be familiar with the aspects of basic poverty and public interest law.
Interns must have access to a car and will be expected to participate in client interviews, negotiations, litigation, and legal research activities.
Application Deadlines
For fall must be received by June 1.
For spring must be received by November 1.
For summer must be received by February 15.
Send your resume and letter of interest to employment@cca-ct.org with the subject line “CCA Internship”
