Reviews research related to the unique needs of immigrant children who enter the child welfare system. Dr. Ilze Earner, Hunter College School of Social Work, and Dr. Alan Dettlaff, Jane Adams College of Social Work at the University of Illinois, host the webcast. Historically, child welfare workers do not have the knowledge and resources to manage plan cases where the children are immigrants. In 2001, the New York City child welfare agency gathered to develop specialized training programs and a handbook of resources, and convened an advisory panel to continue to assist this population. Further progress was made at a national roundtable sponsored by the Migration and Child Welfare Network in July 2006, where four major issues were identified: (1) expansion of research, (2) clear and humane policies at the local, state, and federal levels, (3) identification and sharing promising practices, and (4) increasing transnational collaboration. Research on the needs of immigrant children in the child welfare system is still in its infancy, and challenges exist because data is incomplete due to confidentiality rules. Specific areas need to be addressed by research such as complete understanding of the impact of immigration status which can vary within each family, the impact of language barriers, and assessment of culture changes within the family. Additionally, the study of the migration process can assist case workers minimize the trauma and family stress experienced as children and families adjust to new cultural rules and familial roles, while maintaining close financial and emotional ties to their native countries and families.
