This toolkit provides tools and resources to service providers working with unaccompanied and separated children across various contexts. The toolkit presents research and background on the experiences, needs, and strengths of unaccompanied and separated children, and specific considerations for how service providers may support children’s long-term well-being and resilience while providing needed services. Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) believes that all service providers can provide therapeutic support to children who need it, regardless of whether they have a clinical background. In this way, they can support unaccompanied and separated children in a manner that affirms their dignity, life experience, identity, and culture.
The interventions and best practices presented here are clear and straightforward, and demonstrate that trauma informed, child-centered practice is attainable in any context. The toolkit serves as both an orientation and a training tool for clinical and non-clinical staff working with unaccompanied and separated children.
