Collaborative on Global Children's Issues

The phenomenon of preventable child-family separation is as old as time. Societal approaches to children at risk of losing parental care are largely informed by cultural beliefs and habits. Faith-based perspectives and responses are—and have always been—an important part of this equation. Christian faith communities have responded to child-family separation in various ways throughout history, contributing to both the propagation and prevention of child-family separation across time and contexts, including during American slavery (trafficking), through interactions with Indigenous communities and the establishment of residential boarding schools, the development and use of orphanages and institutional care worldwide, and in response to refugee and migrant movements.

For this topic, the Collaborative on Global Children's Issues asks: Is there a theology of the child within the Christian faith? How has the care and protection of children been understood within Catholic social teaching? How have these interpretations interacted with growing evidence about the effects of child-family separation on developmental outcomes across the life course and with the field of child rights?

The number of young people fleeing high levels of violence, crime, natural disasters, food insecurity and poverty and crossing the U.S.-Mexico border reached a 20-year high in the U.S. government’s fiscal year 2021 (October 1, 2020 – September 30, 2021). This included a record number of children who entered the United States unaccompanied. This is not just a wave. It is a trend that is likely to continue as children across the Americas continue to face a cascade of risks.

Many newly arriving migrant and asylum-seeking children arrive at the home of a parent or relative in the United States after years of separation. Some have lived with a great deal of independence, taking care of their own survival under extraordinary circumstances. Most need significant support upon their release from federal custody and as they navigate their new lives in the United States.

Communities across the country are challenged to meet the needs of newcomer children and youth, often with little federal or state support.

For this topic, the Collaborative on Global Children's Issues asks: What are the needs of migrant and asylum-seeking children and youth in the United States? What efforts are underway to help them find protection and stability in their new communities? Who is responsible for providing support?