WSASP Statement on Family Separation, Community Violence, and School Impact
January 27, 2026
The Washington State Association of School Psychologists (WSASP) asserts the critical importance of addressing the well‑documented impacts of family separation and community violence on child development and educational access. Research from the Society for Research in Child Development establishes that separation from caregivers produces significant and lasting risks including increased mental health concerns, insecure attachment, and disrupted stress regulation. Additional evidence demonstrates elevated risks of PTSD, anxiety, and long‑term developmental and health impairments associated with forced separation and high‑stress conditions. These findings underscore the urgent need for school systems and professional organizations to respond proactively and comprehensively.
Under the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) Principles for Professional Ethics, school psychologists are ethically obligated to safeguard the rights, dignity, and educational continuity of all students (Principles I.1 and I.3). This includes a clear mandate to maintain safe, supportive learning environments and to uphold equitable access regardless of immigration status. In situations where external forces threaten student wellbeing or school safety, NASP standards require school psychologists to act decisively to reduce harm and support stable conditions for learning.
Current developments in Minnesota demonstrate the significant disruption caused by intensified federal immigration enforcement near schools. Nonpartisan reporting documents detentions of students, staff, and parents; use of force near school grounds; and the presence of ICE personnel in school parking areas. Many districts are experiencing substantial attendance declines, with 20–40% of students remaining home due to documented safety concerns. Additional reports describe school closures, extended remote learning periods, and operational disruptions following enforcement actions near dismissal times and residential areas. These patterns reflect well‑established research showing that exposure to community instability directly undermines students’ learning, engagement, and emotional regulation.
Given the weight of this evidence and the scale of the current impact, WSASP emphasizes that responding to these conditions is not optional but essential. Family separation and community-level enforcement activity represent significant threats to child wellbeing and public education systems. It is imperative that school psychologists, school leaders, and policymakers recognize the seriousness of these disruptions and take immediate steps to mitigate their effects.
WSASP reaffirms its responsibility to uphold NASP standards, address the educational and social‑emotional effects of separation and instability, and advocate for school environments that minimize exposure to traumatic enforcement activity.
The ongoing violence and enforcement activity in Minnesota make clear that family separation is not an isolated concern but a current, pressing issue with measurable educational and psychological consequences. WSASP underscores the need for immediate, coordinated action to maintain safe learning environments and ensure continuous access to public education for all students.
NASP Resources
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Position Statement:Students Who Are Displaced Persons, Refugees, or Asylum-Seekers
This position statement affirms that schools play a critical role in providing support to displaced, refugee, and asylum‑seeking students. It also offers guidance for school psychologists working with youth of varying immigration statuses.
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Supporting Marginalized Students in Stressful Times: Tips for Caregivers
This NASP handout provides caregivers with practical, trauma-informed strategies to promote safety, emotional regulation, belonging, and resilience for marginalized students during times of social stress, uncertainty, and fear.
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Policy Matters Blog: Supporting Immigrant Families and Upholding Their Rights
This blog from NASP identifies the key legal protections of students, including those that are undocumented, and specific actions school psychologists can take to support immigrant students and their families. This blog is only accessible to NASP members.
Crisis & Emotional Support Resources
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988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Nationwide 24/7 support for anyone in emotional distress.
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National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline
Provides mental health education, referral support, and stress‑management resources (1‑800‑950‑NAMI).
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WA State Behavioral Health Resources
A large directory of social‑emotional, behavioral, and family support services across Washington for caregivers, children, and teens.
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Northwest Immigrant Rights Project
Northwest Immigrant Rights Project promotes justice by defending and advancing the rights of immigrants through direct legal services, systemic advocacy, and community education.
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WA Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance | DSHS
Provides health and wellness support, employment services, basic needs assistance, and culturally responsive programming for refugee and immigrant families statewide.
