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Children have been silent witnesses to the immigration detentions and deportations that have affected New Bedford and the country in recent months. At their young age, not only have their routines been disrupted — in some cases they stop attending school — but they have also been forced to face separation from their loved ones.
Dorcas Ramírez, a therapist who specializes in childhood trauma, has shared a series of recommendations to support children experiencing the stress and anxiety caused by the detention or deportation of a family member.
The Families Left Behind
A special reporting project
She emphasizes the importance of staying calm in order to deliver a reassuring message. “Children are like sponges — they absorb both verbal and non-verbal communication,” the therapist said. She recommends speaking to children using clear language appropriate to their age. If necessary, it may also be helpful to ask someone the child trusts — such as a teacher, pastor, therapist, or grandparent — to speak with them.
According to Dorcas Ramírez, it is essential for children to maintain a routine of schoolwork and activities, always under the supervision of an adult. This is especially important when they are using phones, tablets, or computers with internet access.
Email Gerardo Beltrán Salinas at gerardo@newbedfordlight.org
