Realities of Immigrant Family Life  Why do they immigrate?  What are their dreams for family/children?  What are their priorities?  Distrust of government authorities  Low incomes, often lack formal education  Isolation from extended family  Trust issues, Belonging issues

Biculturalism should be our goal rather than assimilation  Strengths-based approaches  Value heritage, traditions, identity  Understand & navigate mainstream American culture  Respect  Context  Cultural disconnects exacerbate natural parent- adolescent conflicts  Different sense of timing

Working with interpreters  Use native speakers when possible  Don’t rely on children  Talk to the parent not the interpreter  Try a few words in their language  Cultural interpreters  Written translations

Reunification challenges  Parents feel they made sacrifices  Children felt abandoned  Children may have experienced trauma  Disappointment follows the Honeymoon  New children/step-parents  Children don’t feel they fit in anywhere

Resources  Parenting Fact Sheets on SCAN’s online Parent Resource Center (  Parent support groups  Promotoras