NYC public schools step up to support students after ICE parent arrests, offering legal, material, and emotional aid – The Times of India
New York City public schools are increasingly serving as critical lifelines for students whose parents are detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), offering a combination of legal guidance, material aid, and emotional support, according to a report by Chalkbeat.
Guiding families through guardianship
One of the most pressing concerns for families facing ICE detention is ensuring that children are cared for if a parent is taken into custody. Under New York law, immigrant families can designate a “standby guardian” to oversee a child’s education and well-being in case of arrest or deportation.However, many families are unaware of this option. Several schools have begun hosting workshops to educate parents on guardianship rights and connect them with attorneys and advocacy organisations. Julie Babayeva, supervising attorney for the New York Legal Assistance Group, told Chalkbeat that some parents even reach out to the schools’ networks directly to volunteer as guardians for children whose parents are at risk of detention.
Meeting material needs
Schools also step in to provide practical support for families after a parent’s arrest. This can include organizing donations, helping pay for phone calls from detention centers, or providing clothes and other essentials in case the parent is deported. At Central Park East II, staff and families worked together to make sure detained parents could access these basic needs, according to the school principal, Naomi Smith, who told Chalkbeat, “We want to make sure parents have the support they need so that their children can continue their education without interruption.”
Emotional support and trauma counselling
Beyond material assistance, educators provide emotional support to students coping with the sudden loss of a parent. Counsellors, social workers, and teachers offer guidance and time with mental health professionals to help students process grief while maintaining their education. Jessica Chock-Goldman, a Manhattan school social worker, told Chalkbeat, “Many students are experiencing trauma in real time. Supporting basic needs is often the first priority before grief can even be processed.”
Coordinating with city agencies
The city’s Department of Education works with schools and community organisations to provide legal assistance when a family consents. This coordination aims to ensure students remain in school and connected to resources, though educators acknowledge that there are limits to what schools can do on their own. Some students lose contact with their schools entirely when no adult guardians remain in the country, highlighting the ongoing challenges schools face.
Schools as community anchors
Educators and advocates emphasise that public schools are increasingly on the front lines of supporting immigrant families. By offering legal guidance, material aid, and emotional care, schools are not only keeping students in the classroom but also helping them navigate the complex and often traumatic consequences of ICE enforcement.
