The School of Social Welfare is honored to welcome the Center on Immigration and Child Welfare (CICW) to UC Berkeley. The national peer membership organization conducts research and provides culturally-relevant training for educators, lawyers, and child welfare administrators who support immigrant children.
“Kids need advocates to help them navigate our complicated immigration and child welfare systems,” said Dr. Kristina Lovato, CICW’s Director and Assistant Professor (pictured). “We’re here to translate research into practical guidance, so educators, practitioners, and lawyers can support these children.” 
The CICW supports and connects professionals across the child welfare, immigration, and legal fields, elevating best practices to address the unique needs of immigrant families impacted by the U.S. child welfare system. The CICW develops original research and resources, provides training to family advocates, and hosts national workgroups, conferences, and symposia.
At Berkeley, the Center on Immigration and Child Welfare will:
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Envision new opportunities to build on the CICW’s work during this pivotal time in our country’s social and political climate;
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Address the most critical policy and practice challenges faced by immigrant families who intersect with the child welfare system;
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Develop new relationships with city, county, and state constituents, and community-based organizations to support children obtain safety, permanency, and well-being.
The School of Social Welfare celebrated the CICW’s Berkeley launch on April 23, 2024, with an event that brought together students, faculty, and community advocates. Dr. Cecilia Ayón (pictured), Professor of Public Policy at UC Riverside, delivered a lecture entitled, “Toxic Immigration Stress: The Chronic Exposure to Restrictive Immigration Policy & Enforcement among Immigration-Impacted Families.” Dr. Ayón’s lecture addressed the enduring uncertainty, anxiety, and fear that affects children and youth with undocumented family members. As community engaged researcher specializing in hard to reach and hidden populations, Dr. Ayón’s developed her findings primarily from qualitative interviews with immigrant families. Her lecture was part of Berkeley’s Latinx and Democracy Speaker Series.
“The Center on Immigration and Child Welfare will add a critical dimension to our School’s long-standing commitment to the well-being of children,” shared Dr. Linda Burton, Dean of UC Berkeley’s School of Social Welfare. “It’s critical that government agencies and nonprofits attend to the unique needs of children of immigrants, especially those who are unaccompanied minors or have a parent in detention.”
The Center on Immigration and Child Welfare was founded 2006 as the Migration and Child Welfare National Network, and previously housed at New Mexico State University’s School of Social Work.
