Family Separation
Family separation has devastating physical, emotional, and psychological effects on children, parents, and entire communities. Forced separation due to immigration policies can cause toxic stress, trauma, and long-term health consequences, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD. These harms disproportionately affect marginalized communities already facing systemic inequities.​​ Help create policies to protect patients and their families.
Health Impacts of Family Separation​
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Family separation is devastating for children, families and communities. Impacts include:​
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Toxic Stress: Disrupts children’s brain development and affects long-term mental and physical health.
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Emotional Trauma: Increases risk of depression, anxiety, and PTSD in children and parents.
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Chronic Illness: Heightened stress weakens immune responses, contributing to conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
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Educational and Social Challenges: Separated children often struggle academically and socially due to instability and trauma.
Family Advocacy Resources
KIND: Kids in Need of Defense →
Supporting Family Unity for Unaccompanied and Separated Children →
Supports reunification of children and families separated at the U Southern Border​
Resources for Medical Professionals​
Readings available to assist healthcare workers provide care for children and families who have been recently displaced or separated.
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A set of tools to assist staff in supporting displaced children and families through early transitions. Because each child and family comes with their own experiences and circumstances, it is important to tailor your interactions to meet their unique needs. Practice cultural competency and humility in every interaction (learn about cultural norms and the political, historical context from which the children and families came).
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