Therapeutic Toolkit for Migrating and Separated Youth

April 2, 2026

SSC toolkit

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.

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Other Toolkit Resources

Feature Resource

CARE: A Toolkit for Professionals Serving Unaccompanied and Separated Children

The CARE Toolkit by Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) equips professionals with a trauma-informed, youth-centered framework—Connect, Assess, Respond, Educate—to support unaccompanied and separated immigrant children. Designed for attorneys, social workers, educators, and community partners, this comprehensive guide offers actionable strategies to build trust, assess risk, link children to critical resources, and empower them through […]

Read CARE: A Toolkit for Professionals Serving Unaccompanied and Separated Children
Feature Resource

CARE: Connect, Assess, Respond, and Educate Intervention Toolkit

Many unaccompanied children have endured life-threatening persecution, abuse, and various hazards in their countries of origin. During their journey to the United States, they are exposed to numerous dangers, including exploitation, abuse, and trafficking. Their ability to reach the United States despite overwhelming odds reflects their individual resilience and strengths, grit, and determination. The CARE […]

Read CARE: Connect, Assess, Respond, and Educate Intervention Toolkit