Title
Adoption of Resolution Supporting United States Senate Congressional Bill S. 3036, the Keep Families Together Act, to Limit the Separation of Families at or Near Points of Entry. (City Manager 2110)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: David L. Rudat, Interim City Manager
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
S. 3036, the Keep Families Together Act to limit the separation of families at or near ports of entry was introduced in the Senate of the United States on June 7, 2018 by Senator Dianne Feinstein and is co-sponsored by 48 United States Senators including Senator Kamala Harris.
BACKGROUND
S. 3036 promotes family unity by prohibiting Department of Homeland Security officials from removing children from their parents or legal guardians, except in extraordinary circumstances.
S. 3036 requires all Customs and Border Protection officers and agents to complete child welfare training that is evidence-based and trauma-informed on an annual basis.
S. 3036 establishes a preference for family unity, discourages the separation of siblings, and creates a presumption that detention is not in the best interest of families and children.
S. 3036 requires Department of Homeland Security to develop policies and procedures allowing parents and children to locate each other and reunite if they had been separated.
S. 3036 requires an annual report on the separation of families.
DISCUSSION
S. 3036 establishes first-of-its-kind protections. More than three months after the zero tolerance policy was adopted, children remain separated from their families. We urge Congress to put parameters in place that promote the general welfare of all children.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no financial impact to the City that would result from the adoption of this resolution.
MUNICIPAL CODE/POLICY DOCUMENT CROSS REFERENCE
There is no impact to the Alameda Municipal Code from the adoption of this Resolution.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Adoption of this Resolution will no...
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