Transnational Trauma: ACEs as Causes of Suicidality for Unaccompanied Children Reported in ORR Care

• In Event: Abolish ICE! Migration and Detention under Trump 2.0

Abstract

Unaccompanied children placed into the custody of the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) oftentimes have experienced intense trauma before, during, and after the immigration process. In many cases, trauma such as abuse, separation from a loved one, gang threats, death of a loved one, family issues, prolonged stay in ORR custody, and fears surrounding legal migration outcomes cause mental health complications for these children. Drawing upon a unique dataset made available through Freedom of Information Act requests and litigation, we analyze reported suicidality significant incident reports (SSIRs) from the first 90 days of the first Trump administration. We use the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) framework to analyze the suicidal ideation reported by unaccompanied children in the SSIRs. Results contribute to scholarship on the intersection of mental health, unaccompanied children, and ACEs, allowing us to understand migration choices and unique challenges unaccompanied children face throughout their migration experience.

Authors

• Sophie Emma Smith, Brigham Young University-Provo

• Melissa Alcaraz, Brigham Young University-Provo

• Jane Lilly Lopez, Brigham Young University-Provo

• Hayley Pierce, Brigham Young University

• Kif Augustine Adams