This article describes the results of two focus groups of immigrant parents who recently experienced child protective investigations in New York City. The purpose of this study was: 1) to hear immigrant parents describe their experiences with child welfare services, 2) to identify barriers to services these parents encountered, and 3) advocate for changes in policy, program, and practice so that public child welfare services can effectively address the special needs of immigrant families, children, and youth. Barriers to child welfare services identified by immigrant parents in this study were caseworker's lack of knowledge about immigration status, cultural misunderstanding, and language access issues. Recommendations for addressing these barriers are offered.

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information processing Communication Barriers psychological aspect human communication disorder statistics policy Cultural Competency family size cultural competence qualitative research Family Characteristics United States Humans Adolescent male Emigrants and Immigrants preschool child female Infant Child, Preschool Child Welfare Article Family Relations organization and management adult migration legal aspect New York City family relation child health care Child Health Services public policy Healthcare Disparities Focus Groups health care delivery Child