Guidance for Immigrant and Refugee Families: The Child Welfare System

All families need help sometimes when life gets difficult. Immigrant and refugee families face additional challenges that can make it harder for them to stay safe and healthy. If these difficulties put the health and well-being of children at risk, the family might come to the attention of the child welfare system. This factsheet aims to help immigrant and refugee families understand what the U.S. child welfare system is and how it can help keep their children safe. It also discusses some of the issues immigrant and refugee families may encounter if they become involved with the child welfare system and their rights in child welfare scenarios.

Suggested Citation: Child Welfare Information Gateway. (2023). Guidance for immigrant and refugee families: The child welfare system. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Children's Bureau.

This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information Gateway.

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