Highlights research and recommendations responding to increasing immigrant populations in rural Minnesota with an emphasis on child welfare. Bridging Refugee Youth and Children’s Services (BRYCS) Consultant Dr. Ilze Earner presented “Immigrant Families and Child Welfare: Barriers to Services and Approaches to Change” outlining the need for increased cultural competence for child welfare staff in order to: (1) understand how immigration status affects a case plan, (2) develop a broad base of referral providers, (3) consult with agencies on support networks for a child, and (4) collaborate with service providers to protect children in independent living. Another BRYCS consultant, Susan Schmidt presented “Separated and Unaccompanied Children,” discussing the Special Immigrant Juvenile Status and the Violence Against Women Act as legal pathways to assisting children. A roundtable discussion, with panelists of immigrant community leaders, mental health professionals, and a probation officer, discussed the impact of immigration agency raids and the importance of a school liaison to communicate with the immigrant communities. Recommendations included developing a handbook listing service providers, creating legal clinics within social service centers, increasing social services funding and staff for rural counties, hiring interpreters, and expanding the role of the family/cultural liaison. (IP)
