Know Your Rights: We Stand Beside You

By Patrece Hairston Peetz, PsyD, Executive Director, The Colorado Perinatal Mental Health Project

Dear Birth Squad Community –

As we watch the social and political events happening in our nation, in our streets, in our communities, we share the feelings of overwhelm, heartbreak, and deep uncertainty that many of you hold. At CO-PMHP, our mission remains focused on ensuring that mothers and birthing people in Colorado continue to receive support to manage and deal with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. This mission includes ALL parents within our larger community, regardless of immigration status, nationality, or any other identity factor.

As history unfolds before our eyes, we want you to be as informed as possible on the organizations within our local, state, and national community that provide respite and support for those who are impacted by the actions of our federal government. Living under these kinds of conditions is a substantial and traumatizing stressor for all those who live it and those who bear witness. We want you to know your rights, while also having access to organizations that can help. Remember, all people in the United States, regardless of immigration status, have certain rights and protections under the U.S. Constitution.

Your right to exist and thrive as a human being and a parent matter to us; and we will do everything we can to stand beside you.

Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition (Family Preparedness Packet): Family Preparedness Packet.

Justice and Mercy Legal Aid Center (Family Protection Plan): English - Family Protection Plan and Spanish - Family Protection Plan

Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network 

Know Your Rights: A Guide to Your Rights When Interacting with Law Enforcement

We Have Rights Campaign: A resource of videos to prepare for and safely defend your rights during encounters with Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Guiding Caregivers: How to Talk to a Child about Deportation or Separation: This fact sheet offers guidance on how to talk with children about deportation or separation. It guides family members, caregivers, and providers on how to discuss these issues with children, including whether it is appropriate and how to use analogies to explain the idea.

How to Talk to Your Child about Immigration: Recommendations for Parents: Limit exposure to distressing news, share your family’s immigration story to build empathy and pride, and address concerns honestly and gently. Celebrate your heritage and create a safety plan to help your child feel secure.

How to Talk to Your Kids About Immigration: Misinformation about immigration is widespread, even in content your children may encounter. Start by asking what they know and addressing misconceptions with facts, like refugees' legal right to seek safety. Encourage empathy by exploring why people flee their homes and counter "us vs. them" narratives by highlighting immigrants' roles in daily life.