Lucia Boadas Pena
Understanding the Psychosocial and Social Service Needs of Unaccompanied Immigrant Youth
The goal of our qualitative study is to examine the experiences of Latinx immigrant, transitional age youth (18-24 years old) who are transitioning from childhood to adulthood (a “protected” status to undocumented and unprotected). This study aims to better understand immigrant TAY social service needs and assist in building the capacity of child welfare systems to effectively serve immigrant transitional age youth by enhancing practice and policies. This summer, I will assist with data collection (semi-structured interviews and focus groups), coding and categorizing excerpts into themes, building our codebook, and conducting a literature review to prepare us for report writing and dissemination in the future.
Message To Sponsor
I am so, so grateful to be able to continue my involvement with this amazing research project. I have already learned so much and cannot wait to learn so much more. This opportunity is also highly meaningful and helpful as I continue to discover my interests and prepare for graduate school. Thank you!
Major: Psychology and Social Welfare
Mentor: Kristina Lovato, Social Welfare
Sponsor: Cheunkarndee Fund