Category

Peer-Reviewed Publications

Understanding the Needs of Immigrant Families Who Are Involved in the Public Child Welfare System: A Case for Transformation

By | Child Welfare System Research, Culture: Issues & Competencies, Immigration Enforcement, Language Issues, New CICW Resources, Peer-Reviewed Publications, Research, Social Work, State Policies

Understanding the Needs of Immigrant Families Who Are Involved in the Public Child Welfare System: A Case for Transformation

Kristina Lovato & Sophia Sepp, Families in Society (May 26, 2025)

This article explores an argument for radical reform of the child welfare system to better serve immigrant children and families who face the dual risks from immigration enforcement and child welfare involvement, proposing policy changes to improve service delivery and equity for these children and families.

Community Leaders’ Perceptions of the Unique Service Barriers and Facilitators Among Immigrant Families With Young Children in the Rural U.S.–Mexico Border Region

By | Culture: Issues & Competencies, Highlighted Resources, Immigrant Families Research, Immigration Enforcement, Peer-Reviewed Publications, Public Charge, Research, Research Highlight

Community Leaders’ Perceptions of the Unique Service Barriers and Facilitators Among Immigrant Families With Young Children in the Rural U.S.–Mexico Border Region

Anayeli Lopez, Megan Finno-Velasquez, Sophia Sepp, et al.; Families in Society: The Journal of Contemporary Social Services (November 11, 2024)

The study explores the unique service access barriers and facilitators experienced by immigrant families along the rural U.S.–Mexico border from the perspectives of agency and government representatives.

An examination of child welfare agency models that serve immigrant children and families

By | Child Welfare System Research, Culture: Issues & Competencies, Peer-Reviewed Publications, Research, Social Work, State Policies

An examination of child welfare agency models that serve immigrant children and families

Kristina K. Lovato, Megan Finno-Velasquez, Sophia Sepp, Effie Clayton & Kelechi Chinyere Wright; Journal of Public Child Welfare (March 18, 2024)

This study examined child welfare system models for serving immigrant children and families. Findings highlight the importance of specialization of immigrant-related knowledge and skill sets, relationships with consulates and external stakeholders, and innovative engagement approaches.

Working With Immigrants Who Are Child Welfare Involved: Promoting Innovative Collaborations and Systems Involvement During a Public Health Crisis

By | Child Welfare System Research, COVID-19, Peer-Reviewed Publications, Research

Working With Immigrants Who Are Child Welfare Involved: Promoting Innovative Collaborations and Systems Involvement During a Public Health Crisis

Kristina K. Lovato, Megan Finno-Velasquez, Sophia Sepp, Jesse Jeffrey Ramirez, Robin Hernandez-Mekonnen, and Vanessa Mendoza; Families in Society: The Journal of Contemporary Social Services (December 13, 2023)

This research explores the experiences and innovations of child welfare agencies and community partners serving immigrant families during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Child Maltreatment Prevention Interventions for LatinX Immigrant Populations: A Systematic Review

By | Child Abuse/Neglect Prevention, Child Maltreatment, Child Welfare System Research, Parenting, Peer-Reviewed Publications

Child Maltreatment Prevention Interventions for LatinX Immigrant Populations: A Systematic Review 

Megan Finno-Velasquez, Sophia M. Sepp, Anayeli Lopez, Erin Aquino, Nicole Cherie, & Miquela Ortiz-Upton; Journal of Public Child Welfare (September 8, 2022)

In child abuse and neglect prevention, it is important to take into consideration the unique historical, sociocultural, and linguistic contexts of a population. This systematic review analyzed interventions for use with Latinx immigrant populations.

The Impact of COVID-19 and Immigration Enforcement on Service Delivery for Immigrant Origin Families Involved in the Child Welfare System

By | Child Welfare System Research, COVID-19, Foster Care, Immigrant Youth, Peer-Reviewed Publications, Public Charge, Research, Social Work

The Impact of COVID-19 and Immigration Enforcement on Service Delivery for Immigrant Origin Families Involved in the Child Welfare System

Kristina Lovato, Megan Finno-Velasquez, Sophia Sepp, Jesse Jeffery Ramirez, Vanessa Mendoza & Robin Hernandez-Mekonnen; Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal (August 17, 2022)

This research explored the experiences of child welfare agencies and community partner organizations in serving immigrant children and families during the COVID-19 pandemic and highlights the adaptations implemented to address new challenges.

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