Access to Justice
Over the last decade, New Jersey has steadily ranked fifth in the United States for its number of unaccompanied minors released to sponsors in the state. This trend continues to grow as instability is still prevalent in adjacent nations and children escape from their homes due to unsafe environments brought on by violence, crime, economic and environmental injustices.
Providing free and accessible legal representation and assistance is an investment in their wellbeing and New Jersey’s future.
Educational Equity
Immigrant children and their families face unique challenges in navigating the public education system in New Jersey. A report released by NJCIC and partner organizations found large disparities in technological accessibility for English Learners in Virtual / Remote Learning during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Return to normalcy in the classroom has not fully addressed the challenges in education many immigrant children and English Learners encounter. As we continue to advocate for equity in education, it is more important than ever to amplify the needs of the immigrant children and their rights to fair and equal public education.
Healthcare & Mental Health Equity
Access to free or affordable healthcare is key in creating a thriving childhood. All children, regardless of status, should have access to healthcare. It adds to their physical and emotional health, growth and development. A covered child can thrive in school and other community settings. We are committed to breaking down barriers impeding access to state or community sponsored healthcare for immigrant children and their families.
Mental Health Awareness, Education, and Advocacy in the Immigrant Community is an invitation to see how culture and language are similar and differ among different ethnic groups. Access to culturally sensitive and language appropriate services is key in understanding and addressing Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and their impact on the wellbeing of an immigrant child or youth. NJCIC works with community organizations and allied professionals in advocating for equity in mental health services. NJCIC’s youth-led report on the mental health crisis, following the pandemic, can be found here.
OUR ADVOCACY WORK
We’re fighting to make New Jersey a safe place for all immigrant children, children of mixed status families and similarly situated youth. Our work includes action, legislation, and advocacy on:
Access to Justice
Educational Equity
Healthcare and Mental Health Equity
Join our movement in closing the status gap.