Immigration is a traumatic experience for many immigrant families and children. Fleeing persecution or natural disasters, experiencing violence during their journey, and the stress of adjusting to a new life in the U.S. can take a toll on mental health. The ILC Public Education Institute has compiled these articles, videos and other resources to help.
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Immigrant Trauma and Mental Health Resources
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Understanding Immigrant Trauma
Blog post covering acculturation, immigrant trauma, immigrant mental health and strategies for educators to address these issues
Fostering Resilience Among Immigrant and Refugee Youth, with Dr. Jeffrey Winer
A guide to addressing immigrant trauma and increasing resilience in young immigrants and refugees
Video: Immigrant Student Trauma
Discussion of the complex traumas that today's immigrants experience and awareness of this when teaching students with traumatic pasts
Informed Immigrant Resource Library
Resources to support immigrants in navigating TPS, DACA, laws/rights, family preparation, detention and deportation, and mental health
Professional Development Module: Refugees and Immigrants in Schools
Learn about refugees, engage families, identify and assist students needing support from traumatic experiences, storytelling and more
Understanding Undocumented Students’ Mental Health Challenges
Guide to supporting undocumented students' mental health and connecting them with resources
Supporting Latino Students with Interrupted Formal Education: A Guide for Teachers
Guide for K-12 teachers to approach their incoming students from other countries who stopped attending school in their home country
Safe Healing and Learning Spaces Toolkit
Toolkit provides child protection and education practitioners with all of the content needed to initiate an SHLS program
Traumatic Experiences
Guide to helping children who have had a traumatic experience from Sesame Street in Communities
Supporting Families in a Time of Fear
Guide to supporting immigrant students and families amid the "silent crisis" caused by tightened immigration policies and uncertainty
Stress Related to Immigration Status in Students: A Brief Guide for Schools
Overview of immigration status-related stress, its effect on students and families, and suggestions for how educators can help