Immigrant & Newcomer Youth Resources
The CDE issued a that all children, regardless of immigration status, are entitled to a public education and that immigration enforcement has no place on school campuses. To support implementation of Assembly Bill 49 and Senate Bill 98, the CDE has released Our Schools: Resources for Including Immigrant Families, a toolkit providing family-facing materials and guidance to ensure safe, inclusive learning environments.
Community Partners and Support Systems
Stand Together Contra Costa
Stand Together Contra Costa provides rapid response support, immigration legal services, and community education for immigrant families in Contra Costa County. Through a 24-hour hotline, legal defense services, and community workshops, the program helps families understand their rights, verify immigration enforcement activity, and connect with qualified legal assistance at no cost. Stand Together Contra Costa works in partnership with community organizations and local agencies to ensure residents have access to accurate information, legal due process, and culturally responsive support during times of immigration-related concern.
First 5 Contra Costa - Resources for Supporting Immigrant Families
First 5 Contra Costa offers a wide range of free resources to help families with young children stay safe, supported, and connected. Their Resources for Families page provides immigration‑specific tools, including a Supporting Immigrant Families Toolkit, Know Your Rights materials, family preparedness guides, and links to trusted legal services. Families can also access information on basic needs, child development supports, and local First 5 Centers that offer classes, playgroups, screenings, and one‑on‑one assistance—all at no cost.
Immigrant & Newcomer Support Toolkits
ASCA Immigration Resources
ACSA’s Immigration Resources provide educators with practical tools, guidance, and vetted materials to better support immigrant students and their families. This collection offers classroom resources for teaching about the immigrant experience as well as information that helps school leaders create safe, inclusive learning environments for all students. Developed in partnership with experienced educators and community experts, these resources assist schools in understanding student needs, navigating immigration‑related concerns, and connecting families with trusted community supports. ACSA is committed to ensuring every student—regardless of immigration status—feels protected, valued, and supported across California schools.
Immigration-Enforcement Actions at California Schools (English)
Immigration-Enforcement Actions at California Schools (Spanish)
The California Attorney General’s Office provides a clear guide to help students and families understand their rights during immigration‑enforcement activity near schools. The document outlines key protections, including every child’s right to a free public education regardless of immigration status, rules preventing schools from collecting citizenship information, and strong privacy safeguards for student records. It also provides practical steps for families—such as creating safety plans, updating emergency contacts, and designating trusted caregivers—and explains how to file complaints related to discrimination or immigration‑related harassment.
California Attorney General - Resource for Immigrant Communities
The California Attorney General’s Office provides comprehensive resources to help immigrant communities understand and protect their rights. The site outlines key legal protections—such as the right to fair housing, access to emergency medical care, and limits on when law enforcement can ask about or share immigration status. It also offers multilingual “Know Your Rights” materials, guidance on avoiding immigration scams, and links to trusted legal aid organizations. These resources help families stay informed, safeguard personal information, and access legitimate support without fear.
California Immigration & Family Resources
California’s Immigration Resources page provides clear, practical information to help families understand how immigration policies may affect their daily lives. It offers guidance for mixed‑status families, explanations of public program eligibility, and links to trusted legal, health, and community services. The site includes resources for parents, schools, local governments, and community organizations, with updates on immigrant rights, safety, and access to essential services. These tools help families stay informed, avoid scams, and connect with support during periods of uncertainty.
National & California-based Immigration (Student Support Resources
Newcomer Students
The California Department of Education provides guidance and resources to help schools support newcomer students—recently arrived immigrant, refugee, asylee, undocumented, and migratory youth. The site offers definitions, enrollment guidance, program supports, and legal protections to ensure newcomer students receive a free, safe, and equitable education. Schools can access tools to understand newcomer needs, foster welcoming environments, and connect families with services that promote academic, social‑emotional, and linguistic success.
Office of Immigrant Youth (CA Dept of Social Services)
The California Department of Social Services provides statewide programs that support refugee, immigrant, and unaccompanied youth. Through the Office of Immigrant Youth, CDSS offers culturally responsive services—including the California Newcomer Education & Well‑Being (CalNEW) program, Opportunities for Youth (OFY), the Refugee School Impact (RSI) program, the Unaccompanied Refugee Minor (URM) program, and Youth Mentoring (YM). These initiatives help newcomer youth access education, social‑emotional support, and community resources, partnering with schools and community organizations across California
California Newcomer Network
The California Newcomer Network (CANN) is a statewide hub that supports educators and partners serving recently arrived immigrant and refugee students. CANN provides practical classroom resources, policy guidance, and professional learning, while connecting educators across districts to strengthen newcomer programs. The network works to improve systems for newcomer youth by offering instructional materials, toolkits, legal and rights‑based information, and statewide collaboration opportunities.
CTA Immigration Advocacy
The California Teachers Association provides resources and guidance to help educators support immigrant students, families, and colleagues. CTA’s immigration page offers updates on policy changes, Know Your Rights materials, safe space posters, DACA information, and tools to help schools remain safe havens. The site also includes legal guidance, training opportunities, and practical resources for responding to immigration‑related concerns in school communities
CSBA Immigration Resources
The California School Boards Association provides guidance and tools to help district leaders navigate immigration issues affecting students and families. CSBA’s Immigration Resources page includes legal guidance, policy updates, and state‑issued materials to support safe, informed school practices. Leaders can access resources on immigration enforcement in schools, student and family rights, and federal and state requirements—all designed to help districts maintain safe, welcoming learning environments and respond appropriately to immigration‑related concerns.
National Immigration Law Center - Immigrant & Refugee Children: Educator's Guide
The National Immigration Law Center provides a comprehensive guide to help educators and school support staff understand and respond to the unique needs of immigrant and refugee students. Created with partners including United We Dream, CLASP, KIND, and the AFT, the guide outlines how immigration enforcement and fear impact student well‑being, academic success, and family stability. It includes tools, legal context, and practical resources to help schools act as safe havens, support mixed‑status families, and prepare students and caregivers in case of immigration enforcement actions.
