ABSTRACT
The authors discuss the unique strengths and challenges faced by young Latin American children in immigrant families in the United States. They examine the socio-cultural, historical, and structural factors impacting infant and early childhood mental health outcomes, particularly for those in mixed-status families. They reveal how interlocking systems of oppression, such as racism and nativism, are embedded within immigration policies and enforcement practices, with devastating implications for these families. Utilizing the Diversity-Informed Tenets for Work with Infants, Children and Families framework, the authors outline strategies for delivering developmentally, relationally, trauma, and diversity-informed services. This approach emphasizes racial and social equity, creating sanctuaries for families, identifying their strengths, and cultivating resistance and hope. The authors also provide considerations on encouraging civic participation and agency among immigrant families, highlighting the importance of building trust, providing accurate information, offering linguistic and cultural mediation, and implementing interventions that promote healing and post-traumatic growth. This resource serves as a call for liberatory practices intended for practitioners, educators, and system leaders, supporting the well-being of immigrant families with young children.
