Abstract
We have developed the Immigration-Related Adverse Childhood Experiences Framework to describe the experiences of threat and deprivation that Latinx children of immigrant families navigate and endure in a restrictive, anti-immigrant sociopolitical climate in the United States. The expanded framework integrates social justice and equity issues into adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) research by highlighting the role of marginalization, discrimination and anti-immigrant rhetoric, and immigration policy and enforcement on the well-being of Latinx children of immigrant parents. In this chapter, we use this framework to propose considerations and competencies for mental health providers as they support the well-being of Latinx children and their immigrant families. We also describe comprehensive prevention programs in community settings and treatment efforts in clinical and school settings, and the need for advocacy as a standalone service or adjunct to prevention and treatment services.
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Valdez, C.R., Ayón, C., Barajas-Gonzalez, R.G., Brabeck, K., Rojas-Flores, L., Walsdorf, A. (2023). Clinical Implications of an Immigration-Related Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Framework for Latinx Children of Immigrant Parents. In: Portwood, S.G., Lawler, M.J., Roberts, M.C. (eds) Handbook of Adverse Childhood Experiences. Issues in Clinical Child Psychology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-32597-7_10
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