New York City public schools are increasingly serving as critical lifelines for students whose parents are detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). These schools are offering a combination of legal guidance, practical assistance, and emotional support, transforming into essential community anchors during times of family crisis.
Guiding Families Through Guardianship
One of the most pressing concerns for families facing ICE detention is ensuring that children are cared for if a parent is taken into custody. While New York law allows immigrant families to designate a ‘standby guardian’ to oversee a child’s education and well-being in case of arrest or deportation, many families remain unaware of this crucial option.
To bridge this knowledge gap, several schools have started hosting workshops. These sessions educate parents on their guardianship rights and connect them with experienced attorneys and dedicated advocacy organizations. According to Julie Babayeva, a supervising attorney for the New York Legal Assistance Group, some parents even proactively reach out to school networks, volunteering to serve as guardians for children whose parents are at risk of detention.
Meeting Material Needs
Beyond legal matters, schools also provide immediate and practical support for families following a parent’s arrest. This can range from organizing donations for necessities to helping cover the costs of phone calls from detention centers, or even supplying clothes and other essentials if a parent faces deportation.
Naomi Smith, principal of Central Park East II, highlighted her school’s commitment, stating, “We want to make sure parents have the support they need so that their children can continue their education without interruption.” Staff and families at her school collaboratively work to ensure detained parents have access to these basic needs.
Emotional Support and Trauma Counseling
The impact of a parent’s detention on a child is profound. Recognizing this, educators provide much-needed emotional support to students coping with the sudden loss of a parent. Counselors, social workers, and teachers offer guidance and connect students with mental health professionals to help them process grief while striving to maintain their academic progress.
Jessica Chock-Goldman, a Manhattan school social worker, noted the urgency of this support: “Many students are experiencing trauma in real time. Supporting basic needs is often the first priority before grief can even be processed.”
Coordinating with City Agencies
The city’s Department of Education actively collaborates with schools and community organizations to provide legal assistance whenever a family consents. This coordinated effort is crucial for ensuring students can remain in school and stay connected to available resources. However, educators acknowledge that schools have inherent limitations.
Some students unfortunately lose contact with their schools entirely when no adult guardians remain in the country, underscoring the ongoing and complex challenges schools face in these situations.
Schools as Community Anchors
Educators and advocates unanimously emphasize that public schools are increasingly on the front lines, serving as vital community anchors for immigrant families. By offering comprehensive legal guidance, material assistance, and crucial emotional care, schools are not only working to keep students in the classroom but are also empowering them to navigate the intricate and often traumatic consequences of ICE enforcement actions.