An Examination of Latinx Immigrant Families' Social Service Needs Following a Deportation-related Family Separation.

MOTHERS; CAREGIVERS; SCHOOL health services; SOCIAL support; HISPANIC Americans; RESEARCH methodology; PARENT-child separation; INTERVIEWING; QUALITATIVE research; UNDOCUMENTED immigrants; PSYCHOSOCIAL factors; SOCIAL services; MEDICAL needs assessment

Restrictive U.S. immigration policies have resulted in increased deportations of unauthorized individuals. This qualitative study examines social service utilization among Latinx immigrant families following the deportation or one or more parents. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with Latinx mothers/caregivers (n = 8) and school-based service providers (n = 11). Findings revealed that (a) school-based service providers filled in gaps despite systemic barriers; (b) families experienced fear in accessing support; (c) families avoided social services and health care; and (d) families experienced newfound social support. Implications for culturally relevant practice are included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]