DIVA Training
Supporting the STL Rapid Response Hotline
When a loved one is detained by immigration enforcement, families face urgent questions about where they are being held, what happens next, and what legal options may be available. The St. Louis Rapid Response Hotline helps families find answers and connect with the support they need.
Detained Intake Volunteer Attorneys (DIVAs) play a vital role in this work.
Through structured legal intakes with people in immigration detention, DIVA volunteers gather critical information that helps Lead Immigration Attorneys assess cases and identify potential next steps.
Join us for this training to learn how the DIVA program supports the STL Rapid Response Hotline, how to conduct detention intakes using updated tools and processes, and how to communicate with care and clarity about available support and next steps.
Training topics include:
The DIVA program’s role within the STL Rapid Response Hotline
Using the updated DIVA intake form and systems
What to expect during detention visits and calls
Communicating compassionately and honestly with detained individuals
Scheduling, ongoing support, and next steps for volunteers
Who should attend? Licensed attorneys, BIA-accredited representatives, and paralegals are welcome. No immigration law experience is required. Returning DIVA volunteers are also encouraged to attend, as the intake process and form have been significantly updated. Volunteer interpreters can support intakes when needed, and Spanish-speaking volunteers are especially encouraged to participate.
People in detention should not have to navigate this process alone. Join us to learn how you can help families access information, understand their options, and find a path forward.
1 Missouri CLE credit