Resources for Supporting Refugee Families

Here are the most relevant recent updates Parent Center staff can share with refugee families in the United States:

• The U.S. Department of Education has a new Afghan Refugee Student and Family Resources page with guidance for educators, service providers, and families, including information on student and family rights in U.S. schools and materials to help families support their children’s education.

• A growing set of school-support materials for refugee and immigrant families emphasizes trauma-informed, culturally responsive family engagement, including listening to families, using family strengths, providing localized translations, and connecting families to concrete supports.

• Refugee and immigrant families may need help navigating shifting U.S. immigration and resettlement conditions, including the ongoing impact of refugee-admissions restrictions and related court activity affecting some refugee cases.

• Service organizations are also highlighting the importance of sharing practical help now, such as legal, housing, health, and school-related supports for affected immigrant and refugee families.

• If families are in Colorado, 211 Colorado can connect them to immigrant, refugee, and New American resources by phone or text.

What to emphasize

Parent Center staff should keep the message simple and reassuring: schools can be a source of stability, families have rights, and help is available in the family’s home language when possible. The most useful shares are usually school enrollment help, special education/parent rights information, translation support, and local referral pathways.

A practical script

You could tell families: “There are school and family resources available for refugee and newcomer families, and you can ask for help in your language when possible. If you need support with school, housing, health, or other basic needs, local community referrals may be available.”