The Exploration and Impact of Community Supports and Resources for Unaccompanied Immigrant Minors

The purpose of the study was to gain service providers’ perspectives on available resources and supports for unaccompanied immigrant minors (UIMs) and unaccompanied refugee minors (URMs) in the U.S., and their impact on their well-being. Ten participants who worked directly with both populations were interviewed. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using a thematic content analysis. Due to the U.S. government policies and procedures, participants reported that UIMs were confronted with the challenge of navigating through multiple systems, accessing services and obtaining legal status. These challenges were combined with their personal struggles. UIMs’ experiences were multifaceted, as legal status, resources, supports and the host community responses all affected their well-being in the U.S. Challenges of culture, obtaining information about services and their ability access those services were major factors that affected the level of adjustment and uncertainty in areas of health, family and community. Undocumented UIMs and URMs shared many similarities, but also several important differences based on their legal status. Although organization and programs continue to work in providing care of UIMs, there continue to be gaps and barriers in ensuring the protecting and providing for the needs for all UIMs