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Supporting Young Children Affected by Family Separation Policies

One of the most traumatic experiences a baby or toddler can have is separation from a primary caregiver.

Young children and their families can experience deep trauma, which may have long-term effects on their well-being and development. Since babies and toddlers often struggle to express their emotions, caregivers and professionals must interpret a range of unexpected or unusual behaviors. Providing effective support in these situations requires expertise, compassion, and access to specialized resources and services.

This resource center is designed for early childhood development professionals working with families affected by deportation, forced separation, or the challenges of mixed-status households. It provides trauma-informed guidance, tools, and connections to help professionals support the unique developmental and emotional needs of young children and their caregivers.

By the Numbers

Latest news and updates

Current events and policy changes can have profound effects on families, often increasing stress and even leading to trauma.

Our federal policy team is deeply involved in shaping decisions that impact the well-being of babies and their families. Stay up-to-date on our latest issues.

Immigration enforcement affects the care economy

The country has long turned to immigrants for caregiving jobs, including in child care and other hard-to-staff work, such as elder care. Immigrants are especially likely to serve as “friend, family and neighbor” caregivers, taking on the informal and flexible care arrangements that are most popular with parents.

Trauma-informed resources for professionals

Explore strategies and resources to help professionals provide compassionate, culturally responsive support to babies, toddlers, and their caregivers impacted by immigration enforcement and family separation.

From creating safe, nurturing environments to connecting families with mental health and legal resources, there is much we can do to help mitigate the effects of these challenging experiences and foster resilience in children and their families. 

  • Create a safe and inclusive environment where families feel welcomed and supported.
  • Recognize signs of stress or trauma in young children and provide support to help children feel safe. Consider a primary caregiver approach, use consistent daily routines, and try age-appropriate mindfulness strategies that can help children calm and regulate. Mental health consultation in the classroom to support teachers in meeting children’s needs can also help.
  • Connect families with referrals to mental health services to cope with anxiety around possible family separation
  • Encourage caregivers to develop a safety plan in case of detention or deportation, ensuring that children have trusted guardians and continuity of care.
  • Share information on legal aid resources that can assist with immigration cases, such as the Immigrant Legal Resource Center or local immigrant advocacy groups.
  • Guide families to social services that provide emergency financial aid, food assistance (SNAP/WIC), and healthcare options (community health clinics, Medicaid alternatives).
  • Help families understand their rights by distributing “Know Your Rights” materials and connecting them with organizations that offer legal workshops.
  • Stay informed about immigration policies that impact families in your community.
  • Support local and national advocacy efforts to protect immigrant rights and prevent family separation.
  • Partner with community organizations that work on immigration justice to raise awareness and share resources with families.
  • Help families build supportive networks by connecting them with parent groups, faith-based organizations, or community centers.
  • Encourage schools and early learning centers to provide bilingual support services and cultural competency training for staff.
  • Host informational sessions on available resources, legal rights, and mental health support tailored to immigrant families.
  • Work with caregivers to create a continuity plan in case of sudden separation, including emergency contact lists and childcare arrangements.
  • Encourage documentation of important information such as medical records, birth certificates, and guardianship plans.

Family Separation and Detention

Traumatic Family Separation: Tips for Caregivers

This tip sheet from The National Child Traumatic Stress Network provides tips for current caregivers and others to help address the needs of immigrant and refugee children who have experienced traumatic separaton.

Three Priorities for Babies at the Border

Even under the best circumstances, caring for young children outside of community-based family settings deprives them of the proper care they need to thrive. 

Facilitating Visitation: Parents in ICE Custody & Minor Children

When a parent or legal guardian is arrested or detained for a civil immigration proceeding they can maintain visitation with their child or incapacitated adult for whom they serve as guardian, coordinate their care, and participate in any related court or child welfare proceedings.

Supporting Mixed-Status Families

A Guide to Creating “Safe Space” Policies for Early Childhood Programs

Information and resources to design and implement “safe space” policies that safeguard early childhood programs against immigration enforcement, as well as protect families’ safety and privacy. 

Resources for Families Facing Deportation and Separation

Guides and reports providing information about family separation due to detention and deportation, safety planning and child welfare for families facing deportation.

Resources for Pediatricians

The American Academy of Pediatrics has put together a toolkit to assist pediatricians with supporting the health and well-being of immigrant children.

For Families You Serve

You Weren't With Me

“You Weren’t With Me” was designed to help parents and children talk about difficult separations, reconnect, and find their way back to each other.

 

Child Development Resources en Español

Conozca los recursos de CERO A TRES para los padres, profesionales de la primera infancia y legisladores.

Family Preparedness Toolkit

Just as cities and schools have plans in place for emergencies, families should have a plan in place to make sure that your family, your finances, and your future are as secure as possible in an uncertain time. 

ACEs, Toxic Stress & Resilience – Caregiver Handouts

These tip sheets, co-created by ZERO TO THREE and The Center for Youth Wellness, provide practical guidance for current caregivers and others to help prevent and buffer the effects of trauma on babies and toddlers.

Your Voice Matters: Share Your Story

Families are facing stress and trauma from shifts in immigration policy. Access to mental health support and family services can make all the difference—but too many still struggle to get help.

Are you a parent or early childhood professional? How have essential services supported you or the families you work with? What still needs to change?

Your voice can help shape policies that ensure every child gets the strong start they deserve.

Upcoming Events and Trainings

Rooted in trauma-informed practices, ZERO TO THREE’s virtual and in-person trainings offer the latest from our experts in early childhood development. 

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