Promoting Justice for Immigrant Families through Strength Based Practices

7/29/2019 Promoting Justice for Immigrant Families through Strength Based Practices

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Promoting Justice for Immigrant

Families

Jennifer Pavon, MSW

Kathryn Kuennen, MSW

USCCB/MRS

August 2012


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Outline

Catholic Teaching on Migratio

Types of Immigration Status

Strategies to improve service

delivery to immigrant familie

USCCB/MRS Family

Reunification

USCCB/MRS

August 2012


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Objectives

articipants will learn:

About the contemporary context of migration to the US; including a brie

overview of trends and demographics among recent immigrantcommunities

Working knowledge of the types of immigration status and how this

impacts eligibility for services.

Special considerations when working with foreign-born individuals and

families to improve receptivity to services.

Share and brainstorm strategies and practices to improve the

effectiveness and outcomes while serving these individuals and families

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August 2012


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Catholic Teaching on Migration

USCCB/MRS

August 2012


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Scriptural Foundations

ld Testament (Jewish)

Leviticus 19:33: The strangers who sojourn with you shall be to y

as natives among you, and you shall love them as yourself; for youwere strangers in the land of Egypt.

Quran 4:36 (Muslim): serve Godand do good toorphans, thoseneed, neighbors who are near, neighbors who are strangers, thewayfarer you meet [and those who have nothing]

ew Testament (Christian)Matthew 25:35: For I was a stranger and you welcomed meforwhat you do to the least of my brethren, you do unto me.

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Principles Governing Migration

Right to find work/livelihood in

ones homeland

Right to migrate Right of the sovereign to protect

borders and regulate migration

Protection of refugees and asylu

seekers

Respect for human rights anddignity of the undocumented

person

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August 2012


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Catholic Church involvement in Migration in the U

USCCB/MRS

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Immigration Status and Service

Eligibility

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Types of Immigration Status

USCCB/MRS

August 2012

TPS: Temporary Protected Status: allowed to work, but cannottravel outside of the US, nor can they petition to bring in any oftheir family, nor can they access public benefits

Political Asylum: if granted, which takes minimally one year,they can work and can petition for immediate family (spouse andminor dependent children); they cannot work nor petition forfamily before the asylum is granted; they may access limitedpublic benefits for a specified time, both of which vary state bystate

Refugee Status: this can only be granted overseas; they canwork upon arrival in the US and bring immediate family (spouseand minor dependent children); they may access limited publicbenefits for a specified time, both of which vary state by state


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Types of Immigration Status (Contd)

USCCB/MRS

August 2012

T and U visas: these are for victims of human trafficking and aspecific list of serious crimes respectively, if the victims

cooperates with law enforcement in a prosecution (there is an

exception for minor trafficking victims); T Visa recipients areeligible for the same public benefits as refugees and asylees, and

some additional funding, they may petition for immediate family

members; U Visa recipients may work

VAWA (Violence Against Women Act):a visa to enablevictims of domestic violence here in the US to remain in the US,

they are allowed to work, but cannot travel outside of the US, norcan they petition to bring in any of their family, they can petition

for dependent children already in the US, they access very

limited public benefits


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What does undocumented mean?

USCCB/MRS

August 2012

No status: an immigrant who is in theUS without having come to the attention

of Immigration authorities

In removal proceedings: animmigrant who was apprehended by

Immigration authorities, their case

(whether to be allowed to remain in the

US) will be decided by an Immigration

Judge

Out of status/visa overstay: an

immigrant who entered the US on aspecific temporary visa, but remained

beyond the terms of the visa

Outstanding order of removal: animmigrant who has an order of remova

who was removed from the US and eit

remained or returned

Petitioner/filing for adjustment of

status: an immigrant who has applieda visa, and is waiting on the US

government decision in their caseImmigrants who are undocumented are usually not

eligible for public benefits*

*Check your local and state laws


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Service Delivery to Immigrant

Families

USCCB/MRS

August 2012

Incorporating Family Strengthening Principles


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Strengths-based Approach to Service Deliver

Identifying and maximizing strengths in a individual, fami

and community system

Proactively prevents family break down and out of home

placements

Promotes protective factors by :

Improving family dynamics

Improving health and well-being

Educating caregivers

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Strengthening Families

Ensuring safety through risk assessment

Action-planning with families around areas of need and

concern

Helping families manage expectations

Culturally appropriate services and community referrals

prepare sponsors to care for children long-term

Strengths-based approach empowers families to draw ontheir values and strengths to increase resiliency

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August 2012


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Can you serve these children?

Carlos: no drivers license, supporting girlfriend and baby,undocumented parents

Ana: Burmese refugee with possible DV in the home; afraid to calpolice

Alfredo: Released from immigration detention to distant relativetaking psychotropic meds

Melissa: US citizen whose undocumented mother is picked up atworkplace raid

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August 2012


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Risk Factors - Children

Stress ofacculturation or culture shock

Past trauma of the children themselves

(or other relatives/household

members)

Immigration issues & the complexity of

the multiple systems they must

navigate

Real or perceived barriers to

community resources due to language,

immigration status, etc.

Family dynamics: adjustment to

learning or re-learning family roles

USCCB/MRS

August 2012

Separation from parent/family

resulting in:

Infantilization

Increased independence

Parentified child

Low level ofeducation


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Stress of Acculturation

USCCB/MRS

August 2012

Feelings of guilt about surviving/thriving in the U.S.

Formality of parenting in the U.S. can be a challenge

Children are given adult responsibilities at younger ages in

many other countries than typical of the U.S.

Ethnic prejudices and discrimination can carry over from home

countries to immigrant communities here in the US

Lack or limited access to formal education of children and/or

their caregivers in their home country is a more pronounced

deficit in the US


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ndividual Stresses of Immigrant Childre

USCCB/MRS

August 2012

The child may no longer have both parents or all his or her siblings an

reluctant to form new attachments

Have often been subject to trauma (to include physical and sexual

abuse) in their home country, on their migration journey, at the borde

and after entering the country

Dreams (or expectations) of working to help their families may seem

of reach following apprehension

Often coached by smugglers about what to tell authorities

Anger at being abandoned by the family


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Real or Perceived Barriers to Accessing

Resources

USCCB/MRS

August 2012

Children or adults in removal proceedings lack status until a fdetermination limiting eligibility for some services or resource

Childs right to education can be questioned

It is a crime for some immigrants to attempt to apply for orreceive some benefitseligibility rules are complex, and varystate to state

Local municipalities are creating climates of fear by regulatingother areas


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Family Dynamics

USCCB/MRS

August 2012

Challenges when family members migrate separately

The child may be returning to a family situation that was difficultbefore separation (i.e. there may be a history of abuse)

Reunification and blended families will experience periodicchallenges Children may test boundaries and the sponsors commitment Financial stresses Unmet expectations Children joining a parents new family

Children may be released or re-unified with young adult relativewith little or no parenting experience, which often placestremendous responsibility on both parties


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Risk Factors Families

Separation from minor for

several years

High expectations or there may

not be a pre-existing bond

Lack of parenting skills

Lack of education

Sponsor is not a parent orrelative

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August 2012

Lack of social network

Financial stressors

Legal status

Cultural differences in

parenting styles

Blended families


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Risk Factors - Community

Lack of service structures

Low income neighborhoods

Lack of community supports

Real and perceived barriers to services based on

immigration status

Discrimination and racism

The effect of anti-immigration ordinances

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August 2012


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Protective Factors

Strong Family Relationships

Valuing education and achievement forchildren

Maintaining cultural connections while

adapting

Building supportive networks

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Case Studies

ead the case examples provided and discuss your response

o the following:

What services does this child need?

What barriers, if any, would this child face in

receiving services in your community?

Where or how could the childs needs be met in

your community?

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August 2012


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Best Practices

Staff Development

Cross-cultural issues

Language capacity and interpreters

Biases and assumptions

Working with Families

Build rapport and dispel myths about child-welfare

Reporting requirements regarding immigration status

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Best Practices (contd)

Resources

Eligibility for services

Public benefits

Local private and non-profit resources

Culturally/ethnically/linguistically appropriate resources

Respite resources

Social Interaction/Future

Increased social interaction

Positive social outlets

Biculturalism of minor

Planning for the future

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Best Practices (contd)

Legal/CPS Information

Relationships with legal services

Possibility of detention

CPS

Mental Health Support/Family Strengthening

Family therapy

Non-traditional or non-western style therapy

Family strengthening programs

Family Safety Planning

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August 2012


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Recognize and Use Strengths in Immigra

CommunityMutual Assistance Associations

Community-based organizations working with immigrants

Do outreach through churches, identify community leaders and h

charlas

In our experience, families and immigrant communities can and d

positively support each other

Dont underestimate; many immigrants are in fact well-

educated/professionals

Immigrants are resilient!

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August 2012


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Questions?


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For further information

Jennifer Pavon, Outreach and Education Coordinator- Family Reunification

[email protected] 202-541-3131

Kathryn Kuennen, Monitoring and Quality Assurance Coordinator- Family

Reunification

[email protected] 202-541-3144

More information can be obtained at the following sites:

www.usccb.org/mrs/cshome.shtml or www.brycs.org

USCCB/MRS

August 2012
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.usccb.org/mrs/cshome.shtmlhttp://www.brycs.org/http://www.brycs.org/http://www.usccb.org/mrs/cshome.shtmlmailto:[email protected]:[email protected]


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CatholicTeaching on Migration

Scripture supports the Churchs position in defending and protecting migrants. Through papal

documents and pastoral letters, the Catholic Church in the United States (US)has defined its principles

governing migration. The Church has taken an active role in forming public policy on migration issues.

Promoting Justice for Immigrant Families

through Strength-based Practice

Kathryn Kuennen Jennifer M. Pavon

[email protected] [email protected]

Use this sheet to make notes about the takeaway lessons from this presentation. What do you

want to remember? What stuck out at you that is relevant to you and your work? Write it here.

What question do you want to ask? Write it down here before you forget.

This is your opportunity to create your own handout with the key points that you find the most

relevant.

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Resources

http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/immigration/strangers-no-longer-together-on-the-journey-of-

hope.cfm

http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/cultural-diversity/pastoral-care-of-migrants-refugees-and-travelers/resources/welcoming-the-

stranger-among-us-unity-in-diversity.cfm

http://www.vatican.va/offices/papal_docs_list.html
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/immigration/strangers-no-longer-together-on-the-journey-of-hope.cfmhttp://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/immigration/strangers-no-longer-together-on-the-journey-of-hope.cfmhttp://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/immigration/strangers-no-longer-together-on-the-journey-of-hope.cfmhttp://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/cultural-diversity/pastoral-care-of-migrants-refugees-and-travelers/resources/welcoming-the-stranger-among-us-unity-in-diversity.cfmhttp://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/cultural-diversity/pastoral-care-of-migrants-refugees-and-travelers/resources/welcoming-the-stranger-among-us-unity-in-diversity.cfmhttp://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/cultural-diversity/pastoral-care-of-migrants-refugees-and-travelers/resources/welcoming-the-stranger-among-us-unity-in-diversity.cfmhttp://www.vatican.va/offices/papal_docs_list.htmlhttp://www.vatican.va/offices/papal_docs_list.htmlhttp://www.vatican.va/offices/papal_docs_list.htmlhttp://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/cultural-diversity/pastoral-care-of-migrants-refugees-and-travelers/resources/welcoming-the-stranger-among-us-unity-in-diversity.cfmhttp://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/cultural-diversity/pastoral-care-of-migrants-refugees-and-travelers/resources/welcoming-the-stranger-among-us-unity-in-diversity.cfmhttp://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/immigration/strangers-no-longer-together-on-the-journey-of-hope.cfmhttp://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/immigration/strangers-no-longer-together-on-the-journey-of-hope.cfmmailto:[email protected]:[email protected]


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Immigration Status and Service Eligibility

An overview of various immigration relief options, how immigration status affects ones ability to

work and obtain government assistance, and implications for service providers

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Resourceswww.brycs.org

http://www.usccb.org/about/migration-and-refugee-services/

http://www.supportkind.org/about-us/fact-sheets

http://cliniclegal.org/resources

http://www.unhcr.org/pages/49c3646c2.html

http://womensrefugeecommission.org/
http://www.brycs.org/http://www.brycs.org/http://www.usccb.org/about/migration-and-refugee-services/http://www.usccb.org/about/migration-and-refugee-services/http://www.supportkind.org/about-us/fact-sheetshttp://cliniclegal.org/resourceshttp://www.unhcr.org/pages/49c3646c2.htmlhttp://womensrefugeecommission.org/http://womensrefugeecommission.org/http://womensrefugeecommission.org/http://www.unhcr.org/pages/49c3646c2.htmlhttp://cliniclegal.org/resourceshttp://www.supportkind.org/about-us/fact-sheetshttp://www.usccb.org/about/migration-and-refugee-services/http://www.brycs.org/


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Service Delivery to Immigrant Families

Migrating children are often fleeing situations of violence, abuse, abandonment or neglect and are in

search of a better life. MRS helps to find a pathway to permanency for unaccompanied children

through either family reunification or a specialized foster care program. MRS uses a strengths-based

approach when working with migrating children and their families.

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Resourceswww.brycs.org

http://www.usccb.org/about/migration-and-refugee-services/national-migration-week/upload/Migrant-and-Refugee-

Children.pdf

http://www.usccb.org/about/children-and-migration/upload/usccb-role-in-urm-program.pdf%2BFINAL.pdf

http://old.usccb.org/mrs/urm-mapping-white-paper.pdf

http://www.usccb.org/mrs/chome.shtml
http://www.brycs.org/http://www.brycs.org/http://www.usccb.org/about/migration-and-refugee-services/national-migration-week/upload/Migrant-and-Refugee-Children.pdfhttp://www.usccb.org/about/migration-and-refugee-services/national-migration-week/upload/Migrant-and-Refugee-Children.pdfhttp://www.usccb.org/about/migration-and-refugee-services/national-migration-week/upload/Migrant-and-Refugee-Children.pdfhttp://www.usccb.org/about/children-and-migration/upload/usccb-role-in-urm-program.pdf%2BFINAL.pdfhttp://www.usccb.org/about/children-and-migration/upload/usccb-role-in-urm-program.pdf%2BFINAL.pdfhttp://old.usccb.org/mrs/urm-mapping-white-paper.pdfhttp://old.usccb.org/mrs/urm-mapping-white-paper.pdfhttp://www.usccb.org/mrs/chome.shtmlhttp://www.usccb.org/mrs/chome.shtmlhttp://www.usccb.org/mrs/chome.shtmlhttp://old.usccb.org/mrs/urm-mapping-white-paper.pdfhttp://www.usccb.org/about/children-and-migration/upload/usccb-role-in-urm-program.pdf%2BFINAL.pdfhttp://www.usccb.org/about/migration-and-refugee-services/national-migration-week/upload/Migrant-and-Refugee-Children.pdfhttp://www.usccb.org/about/migration-and-refugee-services/national-migration-week/upload/Migrant-and-Refugee-Children.pdfhttp://www.brycs.org/

Documents

Promoting Justice for Immigrant Families through Strength Based Practices