Find help: Immigrant Family Resources
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In California, there are many services that can help provide free or low-cost child care.
As federal policy changes and volatility continue to have an impact on California’s children and families, the First 5 California Commission is compelled to provide additional support for all of California’s families, including our immigrant families. To help address some of the stress our immigrant families and their children may currently face, we have gathered resources that can assist affected families on a multitude of immigration and stress/trauma-related topics. The resources below cover topics that will help families stay strong and intact by knowing their rights, providing contacts for legal services, sharing information on coping skills and activities, and providing a directory of immigration resources.
First 5 Association
Website:
http://first5association.orgFirst 5 Association is a nonprofit membership organization that advocates for and works with the state’s 58 First 5 county commissions to build strong, effective, and sustainable systems serving California’s youngest children.
Dealing with Stress and Trauma
How can they help?
In association with Sesame Street in Communities, the First 5 Association developed a guide with tips and methods for families to discuss and manage the complicated issues affecting the lives of many California families, including family separation, trauma, and other community-based anxieties, such as new immigration policy changes. The guide is available in multiple languages.
California Courts
Website:
https://www.courts.ca.govNavigating the Legal System
Serving as the largest court system in the nation, California Courts offer a variety of resources to navigate the judicial system. With over 1,800 justices and 6 million cases, the California Courts serve more than 39.5 million people.
Immigration Resources Directory
Website:
https://www.courts.ca.gov
Immigration Legal Help
Website:
https://www.courts.ca.govIn association with California Courts, Immigration Legal Help offers resources for immigration lawyer referrals, affordable legal assistance, and free legal clinics. Also
listed are the websites for Mexican consulates across California and advice regarding legitimate immigration services.
Family Separation Preparation/Help
Website:
https://www.courts.ca.govPreparing for potential family separation is a difficult reality and sometimes one that can be difficult to navigate. On this page, you will find resources offering assistance related to who can take care of your children if separated, immigrant youth resources, and organizations specialized in separation.
American Civil Liberties Union- Immigrant Rights
Website:
https://www.aclu.orgRegardless of your immigration status, you have guaranteed rights under the Constitution. Learn more about your rights as an immigrant, and how to exercise them. ACLU also offers assistance regarding possible immigration encounters.
Immigration Advocates Network- Nonprofit Resource Center
The Immigration Advocates Network’s (IAN) Nonprofit Resource Center connects the advocate community to trainings and materials from national experts. IAN is dedicated to increasing access to justice for low-income immigrants and strengthening the capacity of organizations serving them.
National Immigration Law Center
Website:
https://www.nilc.orgEstablished in 1979, the National Immigration Law Center (NILC) is one of the leading organizations in the U.S. exclusively dedicated to defending and advancing the rights of immigrants with low income. we’ve been at the forefront of many of the country’s greatest challenges when it comes to immigration issues, and we play a major leadership role in addressing the real-life impact of policies that affect the ability of low-income immigrants to prosper and thrive.
Immigrant Legal Resource Center
Website:
https://www.ilrc.orgThe mission of the Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) is to work with and educate immigrants, community organizations, and the legal sector to continue to build a democratic society that values diversity and the rights of all people. The ILRC trains attorneys, paralegals, and community-based advocates who work with immigrants around the country. We inform the media, elected officials, and public to shape effective and just immigration policy and law. Our staff works with grassroots immigrant organizations to promote civic engagement and social change.
Mexican American Legal Defense & Education Fund
Website:
https://www.maldef.orgFounded in 1968, MALDEF (Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund) is the nation’s leading Latino legal civil rights organization. Our commitment is to protect and defend the rights of all Latinos living in the United States and the constitutional rights of all Americans. MALDEF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Coalition For Human Rights
Website:
https://chirla.orgCHIRLA’s mission is to achieve a just society fully inclusive of immigrants. CHIRLA
organizes and serves individuals, institutions, and coalitions to build power, transform public opinion, and change policies to achieve full human, civil and labor rights.
Family Preparedness Plan
Website:
https://www.ilrc.orgEvery family should have a Family Preparedness Plan. While it is our hope that you never have to use your plan, it is a good practice to have one in place to help reduce the stress of the unexpected. This packet will help everyone create a Family Preparedness Plan, regardless of immigration status.
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