Family separation and reunification are complex and challenging phenomena affecting millions of families worldwide.
Both have significant and lasting impacts on the well-being and development of children and parents.
Separated families may experience trauma, loss, grief, anxiety, depression, loneliness, and identity issues.
Reunited families may face difficulties adjusting to new environments, cultures, and relationships and dealing with unresolved emotions, expectations, and conflicts.
Read on to learn ways to deal with these issues.
4 Challenges of Family Separation
Family separation is a stressful and traumatic event that can have negative and lasting consequences for both children and parents.
Some of the common challenges of family separation are:
1. Emotional impacts
Separated families may experience various emotions, such as sadness, anger, fear, guilt, shame, and loneliness.
These emotions can affect their mood, self-esteem, and mental health.
Children may also develop attachment issues, behavioural problems, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Parents may also suffer from grief, depression, or anxiety.
2. Psychological impacts
Separated families may face difficulties coping with the uncertainty, loss, and change of family separation.
They may also struggle with identity issues, feeling disconnected from their culture, roots, and sense of belonging.
Children may also need help from new caregivers, schools, and peers.
Parents may also need help maintaining parental role, authority, and bond with their children.
3. Social impacts
Separated families may experience social isolation, discrimination, or stigma due to their situation.
They may also have limited access to social support, networks, and resources that can help them cope.
Children may also face barriers to making friends, fitting in, or participating in social activities.
Parents may also need help finding employment, housing, or legal assistance.
4. Financial impacts
Separated families may face economic hardship, losing their income, assets, or savings due to family separation.
They may also have increased expenses, such as travel costs, remittances, or legal fees.
Children may also suffer from poor nutrition, health, or education due to limited resources.
Parents may struggle to provide for their children’s basic needs, such as food, clothing, or shelter.
3 Strategies for Family Reunification
Family reunification is a joyful and hopeful event that can also bring new challenges and adjustments for both children and parents.
Some of the effective strategies for family reunification are:
1. Prepare for reunification
Before reunification, planning and preparing for the changes and expectations that may come with it is important.
For example, you can research the destination country or region, learn about the culture and language, gather the necessary documents and resources, and communicate with the family members about the reunification process and timeline.
2. Facilitate reunification
During reunification, it is essential to facilitate a smooth and positive transition for the family members.
For example, you can arrange a safe and comfortable place to meet and stay, provide emotional and practical support, celebrate the reunion, and respect the individual needs and preferences of the family members.
3. Support reunification
After reunification, supporting the family members in their adaptation and integration is crucial.
For example, you can maintain regular and open communication, address any issues or conflicts that may arise, seek professional help if needed, and access the available services and programs that can assist the family members in their education, health, employment, and socialization.
Also see: How to Find a Good Job That Matches Your Skills and Qualifications
Resources and Support
Families facing separation and reunification issues may need various information, guidance, and assistance to cope.
Fortunately, there are many resources and support available for them, such as:
- Websites: Several websites provide useful and reliable information on family separation and reunification, such as the following:
- UNICEF: This website offers an overview of the causes, effects, and solutions of family separation and reunification in humanitarian crises, as well as links to relevant publications and resources.
- Refugee Council of Australia: This website provides a background on the issues and challenges of family reunions for refugees in Australia, as well as recommendations and advocacy actions to address them.
- American Academy of Pediatrics: This website offers guidance and resources for health professionals and families on preventing, managing, and supporting family separation and reunification in disasters and emergencies.
- FEMA: This website provides information and assistance on reunification support for individuals and families affected by disasters in the United States, such as the National Emergency Family Registry and Locator System and the National Emergency Child Locator Center.
- UNHCR: This website explains the rights and process of family reunification for refugees and the services and programs UNHCR and its partners offer to facilitate and support it.
- Books: Several books offer insights and stories on family separation and reunification, such as the following:
- Separated: Family and Community in the Aftermath of an Immigration Raid by William D. Lopez: This book examines the impact of an immigration raid on a Latino community in Michigan and how the families and the community cope with the trauma, loss, and uncertainty of family separation.
- The Ungrateful Refugee: What Immigrants Never Tell You by Dina Nayeri explores the experiences and perspectives of refugees who have fled their countries and sought asylum in other parts of the world and how they deal with the challenges and opportunities of family separation and reunification.
- The Displaced: Refugee Writers on Refugee Lives edited by Viet Thanh Nguyen: This book is a collection of essays by refugee writers who share their personal stories of fleeing their homelands, living in exile, and reuniting with their families.
- The Lightless Sky: An Afghan Refugee Boy’s Journey of Escape to A New Life in Britain by Gulwali Passarlay: This book is a memoir of a young Afghan boy who was separated from his family at the age of 12 and embarked on a perilous journey across Europe to seek safety and reunification in the United Kingdom.
- Organizations: Several organizations provide various forms of support and assistance to families facing separation and reunification issues, such as the following:
- International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC): This organization protects and assists people affected by armed conflict and violence and restores family links between separated relatives through tracing and messaging services, family reunification programs, and DNA testing.
- International Social Service (ISS): This organization protects and promotes the rights and welfare of children and families separated by international borders and facilitates cross-border cooperation and coordination among social service agencies and authorities.
- Save the Children: This organization works to protect and improve the lives of children in humanitarian and development contexts and to prevent and respond to family separation and reunification issues through its child protection, education, health, and advocacy programs.
- Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement: This movement consists of the ICRC, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and the national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies, which work together to provide humanitarian aid and assistance to people affected by disasters, conflicts, and crises, and to support family reunification efforts.
- Professionals: Several professionals can offer specialized and tailored support and assistance to families facing separation and reunification issues, such as the following:
- Lawyers: Lawyers can provide legal advice and representation to families who need to navigate the complex and often restrictive laws and policies on family reunions, immigration, asylum, and citizenship in different countries and regions.
- Social workers: Social workers can provide case management, counselling, and referral services to families who need to access and coordinate various forms of support and assistance, such as housing, education, health, employment, and financial aid.
- Psychologists: Psychologists can provide assessment, diagnosis, and treatment services to families who suffer from mental health problems, such as trauma, depression, anxiety, and stress, due to family separation and reunification.
- Interpreters: Interpreters can provide language and cultural mediation services to families facing communication and understanding barriers due to language and cultural differences, especially during reunification.
Conclusion
Dealing with family separation and reunification issues is a journey that requires patience, understanding, and resilience.
Remember that every family’s experience is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.
However, open communication, seeking professional help, and maintaining a positive outlook can significantly ease the process.
It’s okay to feel overwhelmed and seek support when needed.
With time, perseverance, and love, families can navigate these challenging times and emerge stronger together.
We wish you all the best!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is family separation during a crisis?
Family separation during a crisis refers to situations where children are separated from their parents or caregivers due to violent conflicts, natural disasters, or other crises.
2. What are the impacts of family separation on children?
Separation can cause indescribable stress, undermining children’s mental health, physical health, and development. It can also leave them vulnerable to violence, exploitation, and abuse.
3. What is UNICEF’s response to family separation during a crisis?
UNICEF works globally to prevent family separation by helping families and communities identify vulnerable children before a crisis strikes and planning for reunification if the worst happens.
4. What is refugee family reunification?
Refugee family reunification is when a family was separated and at least one member of the family was recognized as a refugee by the country they live in.
This refugee can then apply for their family to join them in that country.
5. Who can apply for family reunification?
Once you receive refugee or complementary protection status in your current country, you can apply for eligible family members to join you.
6. Which countries have family reunification programs for refugees?
Most countries have dedicated refugee family reunification procedures.
7. How can parents help their children cope with divorce or separation?
Parents can help by reminding their children that both parents love them, being honest when talking about it, avoiding blame, keeping up routines, and not sharing any negative feelings the adults have about each other.
8. How can one reconcile after a family rift?
To mend a relationship after a family rift, one needs to be willing to look at the part they played in the estrangement.
9. What is the role of UNICEF in family reunification?
UNICEF works with partners to reunite separated children with their families as quickly as possible once it is safe to do so.
10. What support does UNICEF provide for unaccompanied children?
UNICEF and partners provide case management, psychosocial support, and other services necessary to meet the needs of unaccompanied children.