The numbers of unaccompanied immigrant children (UCs) seeking asylum in the United States (U.S.) has grown dramatically in the last couple of years. However, there is limited research on the lived experiences and mental health needs of caregivers who support UCs throughout the process of integrating into their new lives in the U.S. This study explores the lived experience and mental health needs of UCs and their caregivers with the goal of guiding best practices for community providers. This qualitative action research study included interviewing UCs, their caregivers, healthcare professionals, mental health providers, and community leaders in Houston, Texas (N = 36). Seven key themes emerged highlighting the comprehensive needs of UCs in the community, the prioritization of legal support over health needs, and the unique cultural and developmental challenges UCs face. Caregivers’ narratives underscored their critical role in supporting UCs, marked by financial strain, guilt, and the struggle to provide a secure and nurturing environment amidst post-migration challenges. This research underscores the urgency for holistic, culturally attuned, and trauma-informed community services that address both UCs and their caregivers’ needs.

过去几年，在美国寻求庇护的无人陪伴移民儿童 (UC) 数量急剧增加。然而，对于支持 UC 融入美国新生活的护理人员的生活经历和心理健康需求的研究有限。这项研究探讨了 UC 及其护理人员的生活经历和心理健康需求，目的是为社区提供者提供最佳实践指导。这项定性行动研究包括采访德克萨斯州休斯顿的 UC、其护理人员、医疗保健专业人员、心理健康提供者和社区领袖 ( N = 36)。出现了七个关键主题，强调了社区大学的综合需求、法律支持优先于健康需求以及加州大学面临的独特文化和发展挑战。护理人员的叙述强调了他们在支持 UC 方面的关键作用，其特点是财务紧张、内疚，以及在移民后挑战中提供安全和培育环境的努力。这项研究强调了迫切需要提供全面的、文化协调的和创伤知情的社区服务，以满足 UC及其护理人员的需求。