Families Torn Apart: Language-Based Discrimination at the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families
Massachusetts Appleseed Center for Law & Justice (January 2021)
This reports explores research on the extent to which the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF) provided adequate language access to limited English proficient (LEP) individuals. Findings identified a failure to provide these federally mandated services and critical implications and disparities for the experiences of LEP families who become involved with DCF.
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.
“We Don’t Turn Away Families”: Support for Immigrant Families with Young Children During and After the COVID-19 Pandemic
Carolina Villamil Grest, Megan Finno-Velasquez, & Sophia Sepp; Journal of Human Rights and Social Work (October 12, 2023)
This study examined community responses to the needs of immigrant families along the US–Mexico border during COVID-19 and suggests inclusive, local-level solutions that can mitigate structural barriers and ensure equitable access to services for immigrant families.
Love without Borders: Grandfamilies and Immigration
Generations United (2018)
This report reviews policy and program recommendations to support immigrant grandfamilies.
In the Shadow of Child Protective Services: Noncitizen Parents and the Child-Welfare System
Tal D. Eisenzweig, The Yale Law Journal (November 21, 2018)
This essay reviews the unique position of non-citizen parents involved with the child welfare system and argues that Child Protective Services should take measures to ensure that their immigration status does not negatively impact them in family court.
Webinar: Creating Welcoming Spaces for Immigrant Families in Early Childhood Programs
The Center for Law and Social Policy (October 25, 2023)
This webinar reviews how child care and early education providers can create safe and welcoming environments for immigrant families, including via eligibility rules, inclusive policies and enrollment practices, and more.
Equity in Permanency
International Social Service (2023)
This paper reviews the principles of equity in permanency to connect and place children with family locally and globally and offers related practice recommendations.
Measuring Latinx/@ immigrant experiences and mental health: Adaptation of discrimination and historical loss scales
Alexis Handal et al., American Journal of Orthopsychiatry (2023)
This research explored Latinx immigrant experiences and mental health in the Immigrant Well-Being Project intervention in New Mexico via the adaptation of discrimination and historical loss measures.
Guidance for Immigrant and Refugee Families: Parenting in a New Country
Child Welfare Information Gateway (December 2022)
This factsheet for immigrant and refugee parents highlights the challenges immigrant families may face while raising children in a new country and provides guidance and resources for navigating these challenges.
