Wednesday, March 21, 2018

Immigrant parents: Get a child care plan in place

If you're an immigrant parent in the United States these days without full citizenship, you need a family care plan in place -- just in case the unthinkable happens and you get deported.

Child care plans make it possible to give your children security even if you aren't there. When making your plan, you need to do the following:

1. Select at least two people who can take care of your children in case of an emergency. That way, there is a backup in case your first choice is unable to serve. Make sure that the people you select are comfortable with your decision.

2. Sign an affidavit giving you caregiver authorization to enroll your child in school or have your child treated at the doctor or hospital for any medical issues. If you aren't certain how to go about this, talk to an attorney who can help you with family legal matters and custody issues.

3. Make certain that your children know who their caregivers will be if you aren't there. Have your children memorize their names and phone numbers. Make sure that you know the numbers by heart as well, just in case you aren't given time to look anything up or retrieve the information from home.

4. Update school records so that the school is aware that the caregivers are authorized to pick your children up from school if you aren't there. Otherwise, they may not release them.

5. Prepare a packet of important documents for your caregivers. Include a copy of your child's birth certificate, shot records, list of doctors, list of medications, list of medical conditions, health insurance and school information. Make sure that you also include a contact list of relatives both inside the country and out -- anyone you want contacted in an emergency.

While you don't want to alarm your children, it's important to be realistic and practical about matters. You can reassure your children that you are making certain that they are safe, no matter what happens in these uncertain times.

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