Psychological First Aid for Unaccompanied Children
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (2021)
This resource provides an evidence-based approach to support unaccompanied children immediately after their arrival to the US.
Borders, Immigrants & Health
Health Affairs (July 2021)
This issue of Health Affairs contains various research articles, datagraphics, analyses and commentaries on the intersection of immigration and health issues, including topics such as public charge, sanctuary policy, insurance coverage and how they impact immigrant children and families.
Immigration Enforcement Fear and Anxiety in Latinx High School Students: The Indirect Effect of Perceived Discrimination
Jodi Berger Cardoso, Kalina Brabeck, Randy Capps, Tzuan Chen, Natalia Giraldo-Santiago, Anjely Huertas, and Nubia A. Mayorga; Journal of Adolescent Health (August 20, 2020)
This study explored the impacts of immigration enforcement on fear and anxiety among Latinx high school student and the role of perceived discrimination in this association.
Trauma-Informed Care Model for Immigrant Hispanic and Latino Clients
National Hispanic and Latino Mental Health Technology Transfer Center (March 2021)
This informative booklet presents trauma-informed approaches and trauma-specific treatment services as preferable models to manage Latino populations’ culturally specific experiences to increase engagement and improve treatment outcomes.
Unseen Costs: The Direct and Indirect Impact of U.S. Immigration Policies on Child and Adolescent Health and Well-Being
Joseph Mattingly II, Laurel Kiser, Sherika Hill, Ernestine C. Briggs, Carrie Purbeck Trunzo, Zafar Zafari, and Theresa S. Betancourt, Journal of Traumatic Stress (August 13, 2020)
Utilizing economic modeling techniques, this study examines the literal direct and indirect costs of the Zero-Tolerance Policy upon the children who were separated from their parents at the border. Estimates from the study indicate that, compared to a baseline “No Detention” scenario, zero-tolerance migration policy cost more per child and proved to be of more significant expense to our healthcare system. The authors surmise that such policy is not only morally distressing but also economically disadvantageous.
Enforced Separations: A Qualitative Examination of How Latinx Families Cope With Family Disruption Following the Deportation of a Parent
Kristina Lovato and Laura S. Abrams, Families in Society: The Journal of Contemporary Social Sciences (November 5, 2020)
In the face of two decades of ever-restrictive immigration policies that have led to increased family disruption due to expansive deportations, this study examines how impacted families cope. Exploring the issue through a family systems theory lens, researchers found that in addition to restructuring family dynamics, those impacted also experience economic and familial tensions. The need to develop cultural and trauma-informed interventions for immigrant families in response is also discussed.
In High and Low Enforcement Jurisdictions Alike, Most Latino High School Students Express Fear of Deportation, with Consequences for Mental Health
Randy Capps, Jodi Berger Cardoso, Kalina Brabeck, Michael Fix, and Ariel G Ruiz Soto, Migration Policy Institute (September 2020)
The fear surrounding immigration enforcement in American communities is far-reaching. This report demonstrates the consequences of such concerns for Latino youth’s mental health while also concentrating on support factors of spirituality and family relationships as potential sources of resilience.
Care Provider Facilities Described Challenges Addressing Mental Health Needs of Children in HHS Custody
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (September 2019)
A report released by the Office of the Inspector General confirmed that intense trauma was common among children who entered the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) facilities in 2018 including those who were suddenly separated from their parents.
Childhood Adversity Screenings Are Just One Part of an Effective Policy Response to Childhood Trauma
Childhood Adversity Screenings Are Just One Part of an Effective Policy Response to Childhood Trauma
David Murphey & Jessica Dym Bartlett, Child Trends (July 9, 2019)
This article reviews policy recommendations that policymakers can implement in the response to childhood trauma.
