About
Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) describes itself as the preeminent international nongovernmental organization devoted to the protection of unaccompanied and separated children. Founded in October 2008 by the Microsoft Corporation and co-founder and patron Angelina Jolie, KIND was created to address the gap in legal services for unaccompanied children in the U.S. immigration system, and today has offices and staff across the United States, Mexico, and Europe. It is headquartered in Washington, DC, and is a 501(c)(3) organization (EIN 26-2763038).
Mission
KIND envisions a world in which children's rights and well-being are protected as they migrate alone in search of safety. It works to achieve this vision by ensuring that no child appears in immigration court without high-quality legal representation; advancing laws, policies, and practices that uphold children's right to due process and fundamental fairness; and promoting durable solutions to child migration in countries of origin, transit, and destination that are grounded in the best interests of the child.
What they do
- Legal protection: partners with major law firms, corporations, law schools, and bar associations to provide pro bono attorneys who represent unaccompanied children referred to KIND at no cost.
- Psychosocial support: provides holistic support for migrant children, addressing trauma as they adjust to a new country, new language, and new homes, and connecting children and caregivers with medical care, mental health care, education, and crisis intervention.
- Policy and advocacy: works with Capitol Hill, federal agencies, and other policymakers to help ensure unaccompanied children receive fair and appropriate treatment in the U.S. immigration system.
- Family separation response: a dedicated team formed to address the crisis caused by family separations at the U.S. border under the "Zero Tolerance Policy."
- Global programs: work in Mexico and Central America on the root causes of child migration and protection of children in transit, and a European initiative with partners in Belgium, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Poland, and the United Kingdom to ensure access to pro bono legal assistance for unaccompanied children.
Scale and impact
Figures published by KIND on its website (as of 2024) include:
- 70,000+ children educated on their legal rights in the United States and Mexico.
- 14,000+ children provided legal representation in the United States in collaboration with more than 800 global partners.
- 11,000+ children and families in the United States and Mexico provided psychosocial support.
- 3,000 children assisted with legal services support in Europe in collaboration with global partners.
Financials
Per ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer, for fiscal year 2024 KIND reported revenue of $78,971,038, expenses of $79,556,234, and net assets of $34,033,095. The IRS granted its tax exemption in August 2008.
Governance
KIND was co-founded by Angelina Jolie, Special Envoy of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, who serves as Co-Founder and Patron. Microsoft vice chair and president Brad Smith has chaired KIND's board of directors.
