This article discusses the increasing number of immigrants entering public schools and the lack of social services that are being provided to these individuals. When immigrant children enter the United States they are welcomed by a mirage of problems. These children must face language barriers and cultural differences. In order for a social worker to be effective with this population they must use a cross-cultural approach. This approach helps the client to transition from their previous culture and looks to help the individual adapt to the culture in the U.S.
This article discusses immigrant children that are in the latency stage. This is the stage where children become interesting in doing well both socially and academically. Unfortunately, when a child has just made the transition from a rural culture to an urban culture with language barrier, different conformities and behavioral expectations, this becomes challenged.
This author does not underscore the importance of social services in school settings.
Children gathering potatoes on a large farm, vicin...
Latino Children Play Swing
Children at N.Y. Zoo (LOC)In one school he mentions their use of group work while working with immigrant children. This author feels that group work is the most effective method of intervention while working with immigrant children. He feels that it is most effective because it allows children to sit in a group and discuss their issues. These issues usually include language barriers and their difficulty adjusting to the United States. At the same time, it makes them realize that they are not alone with this transition.
As these groups were being developed with immigrant children many ethical issues began to arise. These included ?issues of self-determination, informed consent and confidentiality, as well as culturally sensitive clinical issues of empathy, building rapport, contracting use of authority and the role of the social worker?.
While working with immigrant children and their families we must also look at...