2018 - How to Conduct Newcomer Support Groups for Latino Immigrant Youth

Training Options Duration: 60 Minutes
Friday, August 17, 2018 | 10:00 AM PDT | 01:00 PM EDT
Overview: This workshop will introduce to participants the "why and how" to conduct
support groups with Latino immigrant youth who enter the United States by crossing the border.
Many, if not most of these immigrants have similar experiences that impact their emotional and
behavioral health such as the stressors and/or traumas of their native country to include
killings, sexual violence, domestic abuse, the takeover of gang life, extortion, etc. and their
arduous journey through Central America, Mexico and crossing the Rio Grande.
The impact of being caught by ICE and being sent to a detention center also may leave emotional
scars. Once they are reunited with their families, they must adjust to these changes and to a
new culture, language and school system. All of these changes can leave a youth with limited
coping skills, heightened depression and anxiety.
These common experiences makes for conducting an immigrant support group easier and the most
efficient modality to support as many youth as possible during their transition to a new
country. The presenter will briefly cover the three main areas that impact Latino immigrant
youth: "Pre-migration, Migration and Post-migration" and how these topics are incorporated into
group activities. Once these areas are understood by the participants, they can better
understand the purpose of each activity.
For example, the first ice breaker activity which is used for bonding has each member make a
name plate with their name, country's name and a drawing of their respective flag and they can
add anything of interest to them. This activity is non- threatening, simple and fun. Once the
name plate is complete they take turns introducing themselves with this information. The leader
can then interject other relevant questions to maintain the conversation in a positive tone.
Like in most initial groups, the leader discusses the topic of group rules allowing the members
to add or reword rules that they deem important to the group's stability and functioning. It is
important that everyone agrees with the rules as this will set the stage for bonding as well.
Activities on acculturation, cultural bereavement and cultural differences are critical in
helping members understand and validate their longing to return to their native country and
that this is the first process of immigrating to a new environment.
Another major issue that many of immigrant youth experience is the reunification of the family.
Many youth were left behind in their native country while their parents immigrated to the
United States. They were left in the care of their grandmother, aunt or other guardians and
were reunited after a few or for some, many years. Upon arrival some youth reconnect quickly
with their parents while others never adjust and will forever feel distant from their mother
and/or father. Parents at times have difficulty understanding this process and will resent
their child for not reconnecting with them.
Parents think that a child should be able to reconnect and feel their love given the sacrifice
they made to bring their daughter or son here. This topic through various activities is
discussed in length to help the youth understand their feelings as well as their parents' in a
process of facilitating the reunification.
The presentation will continue to review over a dozen activities from ice breakers to
understanding language acquisition, school's code of conduct, cultural conflict with parents to
name a few and a final project where they write their personal story of leaving their country
to come to the United States. This story writing is the last activity that can last a few weeks
as they write as little or as much as they want and then once complete they have the option to
share it with the group members.
This story completes the group and in a way completes the cathartic experience of the group.
They no longer have to hide from their past and they can move forward without the emotional
baggage that left unresolved could have lead them down a disturbing road.
Different games and books that can be used in groups will also be shared with participants.
Each activity addresses and helps to resolve many of the stressors recent immigrants
experience.
As in all groups the termination process will be covered with an ending activity and awards
ceremony.
Why should you Attend: Are you overwhelmed with trying to provide culturally relevant mental
health services with Latino immigrant youth who have crossed the border? So many times mental
health workers who provide interventions with Latino immigrant youth notice a common thread in
the youth's mental health assessment and maladaptive behaviors. Many face issues of PTSD,
depression, anxiety, acting out at home and/or school as well as adjusting in the reunification
of the family to name a few.
Considering this common thread, a group modality would provide the most efficient level of
intervention to reach more individuals going through the similar experiences and provide an
opportunity for them to connect and bond. For mental health and case workers who work in
schools, group homes, detention centers, etc. conducting support groups to this population will
offer the youth a cathartic experience while at the same time learn new coping strategies to
deal with their emotional baggage as well as of adapting to a new country, language, culture,
school system, etc.
Immigrant support groups provide the opportunity for the members to realize first hand that
their feelings and experiences are not unique and that many of their peers' experience the same
feelings and at times, the same maladaptive behaviors. While conducting the group's initial ice
breaker activities, the group members begin to bond paving the way for more in depth activities
and discussions.
It is during these moments that the immigrant youth begins to understand that their feelings
and experiences are validated and "normal." Many have responded, "You too. I thought I was the
only one feeling and thinking this way." Once the bonding is established these youth open up
and pour their hearts out initiating the healing process.
With increasing numbers of immigrant youth entering the United States, it is imperative that
you have additionally therapeutic skills in your professional tool box. Having the background
knowledge, group skills and unique culturally relevant activities will assist you to facilitate
such groups. This webinar will offer you everything you will need to begin a group in your
school and/or agency.
Areas Covered in the Session:
Synopsis of the three areas emotionally impacting immigrant youth: Pre-migration, Migration and
Post-migration
Review of culturally relevant ice breakers and group activities
Resources and Termination
Who Will Benefit:
Social Workers
Psychologist
Mental Health Workers
Guidance Counselors
Case Managers and universities students in the behavioral health field of study.Those working
in the area of Immigration Advocacy
Speaker Profile
Vilma E. Matos is a clinical bilingual social worker with over 35 years of experience working
with the Latino community. In the past 20 years she has been providing individual, group and
family interventions for Latino immigrant youth. She has presented on this topic to school
districts, mental health clinics and at conferences on best practices when interfacing with
this population. Her dedication goes one step farther as she has designed a board game uniquely
suited for Latino immigrants. My Journey to the United States - Mis Pasos a los Estados Unidos
Board Game© has been used by social workers, psychologists, guidance counselors and mental
health workers throughout the United states as a facilitating tool to help these youth open up
about their past and present experiences. Once trust is established, significant interventions
and healing can begin.
Ms. Matos is also Vice President of the National Association of Puerto Rican/Hispanic Social
Workers and currently works part-time as a bilingual therapist, school social worker,
consultant and presenter all in the area of Latino immigrants.
Price - $139
Contact Info:
Netzealous LLC - MentorHealth
Phone No: 1-800-385-1607
Fax: 302-288-6884
Email: support-AT-mentorhealth.com
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