Bridging City, School and Community Through Coordinated Care Networks: A Cross-Sector Initiative to Support Immigrant-Origin Youth

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Thursday 3:35 pm Four Seasons Ballroom 4
  In Roundtable Session: Supporting the Experiences and Well-Being of Youth and Families From Migrant and Refugee Backgrounds (Table 1)

Abstract

This paper presents a case study of a cross-sector initiative that bridged local education, government and community organizations to strengthen care networks for immigrant-origin students and families in a small city in the Northeast. Drawing on prior research about cross-sector initiatives along with theories of care and social capital, we present findings from our qualitative case study conducted from 2021-2024. The cabinet brings together local educational, city, health and community leaders to support youth well-being. Analyzing interviews with 30 cabinet members, ethnographic fieldnotes from cabinet meetings and researcher memos, we present findings from our qualitative social network analysis about an evolving cross-sector care network. We show how coordinated care networks can address fragmentation and bridge various immigrant-serving institutions, including education.

Authors

• Rebecca J. Lowenhaupt, Boston College

• Nishat Tasnim, Boston College

• Gabrielle Oliveira, Harvard University

• Betty Lai, Boston College

• Aaron T. Jennings, Chelsea Public Schools