Continuing education on family separation at the U.S. border

Jan. 28 marked the first meeting of the Friday Morning Continuing Education program’s Spring 2022 series. The first meeting’s topic, “Childhood Trauma at the Border” featured Assistant Professor Roberta Leal as the speaker. Leal focused on the ongoing issue of child separation at the southern U.S. border and the trauma it causes children and families.

This is the fifth time Leal has presented on a topic related to immigration and immigration policy. She continues to raise awareness and provide aid towards migrant issues as a social worker and an associate professor at UHCL.

 “I think by making myself available as a faculty member there is some additional credibility given that I research some of these areas and topics, as a community member I volunteer and work in and around the university,” said Leal.

Leal chose to approach the topic from a non-partisan viewpoint to allow more attendees to understand the humanitarian crisis happening at the southern U.S. border. She explained how the process of family separation can cause multilayered trauma in children that lingers from having to leave their home country and transit to the U.S. 

Leal also explained the lack of support systems for these families and children upon arrival to the U.S.

“Realistically politicians are the ones making these decisions for the country on behalf of the constituents, but if the constituents don’t know enough about immigration then they have no real vested interest in making that phone call or getting engaged in the system,” said Leal.

During the presentation, attendees were given access to helpful resources and information including:

• Houston Immigrants Rights Hotline: 1-833-466-4664
• National Trauma Resource Center from Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
• Houston Immigrant Legal Service Collaborative 

“The most important thing these audience members can do is know there’s help out there and know how to connect a family to someone that can help,” said Leal.

Program Coordinator Christine Paul continues to host Friday Morning Continuing Education sessions, providing a space for presenters like Leal to reach an audience and raise awareness about various topics of interest and importance. 

“We really want everyone to come, just for the joy of learning and to become more aware and see what’s going on,” said Paul. 

The Friday Morning Continuing Education program is open to faculty, staff, and students as presenters. Those interested in presenting can contact Paul via email at paul@uhcl.edu. 

The Friday Morning Continuing Education program will host two classes every Friday morning until March 4. Registration is open to everyone and costs $44 which includes a $26 membership fee and an $18 class fee. Subsequent classes will be $18.