Message from SRCD President Kenneth Dodge and Executive Director Laura Namy regarding child well-being at the U.S.-Mexico Border

Separation of children from families at the U.S.-Mexico border continues, and the welfare of children is being compromised.  The trauma of separation can have lasting effects.  The scientific evidence is clear that separation of children from their families, particularly under circumstances such as those occurring today at the U.S.-Mexico border, is harmful to children’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being. We urge that families be allowed to remain together.

Learn more about the research on the impacts of separation and deportation practices on children and families:

• Review the Statement of the Evidence: “The Science is Clear:  Separating Families has Long-term Damaging Psychological and Health Consequences for Children, Families, and Communities.” Also available en español.
• Watch the webinar “The Science of Childhood Trauma and Family Separation: A Discussion of Short- and Long-term Effects.”
• Read the Social Policy Report “Applying a Community Violence Framework to Understand the Impact of Immigration Enforcement Threat on Latino Children” and accompanying Brief, “How the Threat of Deportation Affects Children in Latino Immigrant Families.”

Kenneth Dodge, President, SRCD and Laura L. Namy, Executive Director, SRCD