Forgotten Children in America | Psychology of Today

As a society, we are accused of protecting the most vulnerable people, those who may struggle to speak up or defend themselves. In particular, few US groups are vulnerable than refugee children. Unaccompanied minors. Many are sent here by parents and relatives to escape impossible situations in their home country, such as violence, human trafficking, poverty, natural disasters and other crises. Furthermore, many children experience it with the increase in ice attacks trauma Separation when they were forced to remove from their family. Often, these children end up in immigration courts, and are even required to protect themselves without legal representation for federal funding.

I usually study how media is related Children’s developmentHowever, I recently came across a research study on refugee children who stopped me in my truck. As someone who has a deep faith in caring for the happiness of children everywhere, I was impressed by the discovery. this Recent Reports We examined court procedures involving unaccompanied minors in US courts from 2009 to 2023. The report revealed that only 51% of unaccompanied minors had legal representatives at any time during court hearings. Almost half of these children were deported (49%), making it much more likely that representatives would face this outcome.

Current policy on unaccompanied minors can have what researchers call “Double exclusion” The impact on children. These children feel that they are initially excluded from their country of origin due to poverty, violence or other circumstances, and then The second exclusion from the US courts; They cannot be expressed or protected in highly vulnerable circumstances. These traumatic experiences can lead to a child’s serious mental health struggle. PTSD, Depression, anxiety disorders, externalizing behavior, Eyes, nightmares, sleep disorders. Furthermore, the effect of clearly separated from family Caregivers It may result Attachment has been destroyed Intergenerational trauma can affect future families across generations. Clearly, current US policies and procedures regarding unaccompanied minors are not in line with best practices to support healthy development and well-being in children.

In considering ways to help all children thrive, researchers outlined several recommendations at local, state, and national levels that can reduce the harm that unaccompanied minors in the United States are currently facing.

1. Secure legal representatives for all unaccompanied minors in the court.

While all children deserve legal protection, almost half of unaccompanied minors are currently facing immigration lawsuits without representation. Historically, this has been provided by many people Nonprofit organizations It is funded by private donations and government grants; The latter has been suspended Under the current administration, it is currently being challenged in court. State and local governments can play a key role by securing dedicated funds to ensure that all children have access to lawyers.

2. We will introduce laws to protect unaccompanied minors in public places.

Recently, The law was passed in California Ice was not allowed at schools or hospitals, and ice was needed to identify myself by name or badge number. Policy like these helps protect unaccompanied minors and other refugee children where they should feel safe. Such protections may reduce water urinary properties and promote better mental health outcomes.

3. Encourage community and school base collaboration For unaccompanied minors.

Many children may not be aware of their rights and resources. Schools, recreation centers and refugee organizations can serve as important hubs for information, support and referral to legal aid. Social worker at schoolIn particular, it can provide trauma-based school practices and ensure that the basic needs of the child are met and promote both safety and both. Resilience.

4. Provide mental health support to unaccompanied minors.

Youth Law Center We recommend trauma-centric services that address basic needs, assess developmental impacts, and help restore hope, security. Self-worth. Support should also respect cultural heritage, support family unity, and be coordinated throughout the system. To achieve this, funding at the local, state and national levels must be allocated to trauma-based, developmentally appropriate care, particularly as some children arrive as young as young children.

As a mother of five, this problem was tough. You can’t imagine a situation in which you send your child to a foreign country alone or lead them to be separated from them upon arrival. For those of us living in safety and comfort, such decisions feel painful and hardly unimaginable. As a developmental psychologist, I understand that it can have a significant impact on young, growing children. But too often, the voices of children, and the reality of their experiences, are owned simply by political rhetoric that exacerbates immigrants and refugees who are seeking better lives.