University of California Davis Center for Reducing Health Disparities: Trauma-Informed Care and Services for Immigrant Families

The University of California Davis Center for Reducing Health Disparities has released this report from last year’s three-part symposium on trauma-informed care and services for immigrant families: https://health.ucdavis.edu/crhd/pdfs/resources/Trauma_Informed_Proceedings_022321.pdf

While many were horrified as the trauma created by the separation and incarceration of immigrant families and children by the last Administration, the symposium speakers and panelists highlighted the different types of trauma experienced by immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers – from the origins of migration, during the migration journey, and when confronted by the U.S. immigration enforcement system. For example, the symposium speakers and panelists also discussed the trauma caused by policies such as the new public charge regulation and the rescission of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Speakers also noted the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on immigrant communities, adding yet another layer of trauma, stress, and hardship.

The symposium speakers and panelists also presented both immediate and long-term strategies for providing trauma-informed care and services to immigrant families, from clinical mental health interventions to ensuring safe and welcoming spaces in all health care settings. Keynote presenter California Surgeon General Nadine Burke-Harris shared her life-long work to increase awareness of adverse childhood events (ACEs), and to implement trauma-informed approaches in health care and other services. Speakers and panelists also discussed public policy solutions that can support immigrants and mitigate the impacts of these causes of trauma, including changing the immigration laws, regulations, and policies that create the trauma. Finally, the speakers and presenters noted the resilience of individual immigrants, families, and communities in surviving and thriving through mutual support, strong networks, and organizing and advocating for their rights.

Videos and slides from the speakers and panels from the entire three-part symposium are available: https://health.ucdavis.edu/crhd/immigrant-trauma-informed-care-and-services.html