In recognition of Social Work Month, we are proud to highlight KIND’s Psychosocial Services Program and the incredible work our staff does to support our clients daily. In our 15 U.S. offices, KIND’s psychosocial services staff connects clients and their families to medical care, mental health support, educational opportunities, and crisis intervention. They also offer regular therapeutic group programming, using recreation, play, and art as tools for client connection, healing, and growth. In addition to supporting clients, social services staff provide technical assistance and training to KIND’s legal services staff, pro bono attorneys, and external partners on how to provide trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and child-centered care.
Social work is deeply rooted in the core value of respecting and protecting human dignity. KIND’s psychosocial services model helps unaccompanied children regain a sense of stability and self-worth through a holistic approach. Our social services coordinators consider the whole child and provide support for clients to address client-identified concerns as well as pursue their expressed goals and dreams.
From annual back-to-school events and holiday events, to fun activities like bringing young ones rock climbing and to the Crayola Experience, KIND’s Psychosocial Services staff bring joy, connection, play, and healing to the unaccompanied youth we serve. Our team also helps clients prepare for their future by hosting career and education events.
Our Guiding Principles are:
- Trama-informed care
- Child- and youth-centered approach
- Strengths-based services
- Empowering youth and fostering resilience
- Social inclusion and cultural humility
In 2024, KIND’s Psychosocial Services teams in the U. S. and Mexico:
- served 2,543 individual clients
- provided 6,865 individual services
- served 8,665 children in therapeutic programing and events
Meet Patricio
KIND’s Psychosocial Services program helps kids like Patricio. Patricio came to the United States when he was elementary school aged and was separated from his father due to the federal government’s family separation policy of 2018. Patricio’s father was deported back to the family’s country of origin, so Patricio went to live with his grandmother who was already living in the United States. Patricio had to adjust to life without his father in a new country where he did not speak the language. Patricio’s life was further disrupted when his father died and, due to his immigration status, Patricio was unable to travel to his home country for his father’s funeral.
Through his resilience and the intervention of caring adults in his life, Patricio began to heal from his trauma and adjust to his new life. His KIND social services coordinator connected him to mental health therapy, medical care, dental care, a summer soccer program, and secure housing. Today, he is fully bilingual in English and Spanish, enrolled in high school, and passionate about soccer.
By supporting children’s overall wellbeing and connecting them with resources in their communities, KIND’s psychosocial services have a lasting impact on children, well after KIND’s work with the child ends. Thank you to KIND’s Psychosocial Services teams for all you do.
If you would like to support KIND’s Psychosocial work, you can donate here.
