**Addressing the Psychological Health of Migrant Children is Crucial**
Osiris Pérez, the social investment manager at Fundación Caaarem, emphasizes the importance of addressing the psychological health of migrant children and adolescents. The foundation, which focuses on projects impacting children’s health, nutrition, and education, has assisted over 5,000 children this year alone.
Fundación Caaarem collaborates with various organizations across Tijuana to provide tailored psychological support. Many of these children experience trauma due to their challenging migration journeys, requiring specialized therapeutic approaches. Despite the transient nature of many migrant children’s stays in Tijuana, Fundación Caaarem has been able to extend psychological support even beyond the border, thanks to partnerships with international organizations.
The foundation works closely with five organizations in Tijuana, including Ciudad de los Niños de Tijuana, Centro Ser, and YMCA, ensuring that children receive consistent psychological care. With additional support from the International Community Foundation and the Association of Customs Agents of Tecate and Tijuana, Fundación Caaarem has provided services to 15,000 minors since 2022. The efforts will continue into 2025, aiming to reach even more young migrants in need.
**Secondary Article: The Broader Context of Migrant Children’s Psychological Health Needs**
In a wider context, the U.S. remains a primary destination for migrant families from Central America, and many asylum-seeking children face heightened mental health challenges due to their arduous journeys. Reports indicate that these children encounter various forms of adversity, such as family separation, violence, and insecurity, making psychological care even more critical.
Numerous advocacy groups stress the need for adequate mental health resources and policies tailored to migrant youth. Currently, shelters and temporary facilities are not always equipped to provide comprehensive psychological support, highlighting a gap that organizations like Fundación Caaarem are working to fill.
Furthermore, local government budgets often fall short of addressing the broader needs of migrants, calling for increased funding and strategic planning to manage incoming migrant waves effectively. As migration patterns continue to evolve, it is pivotal to adapt and enhance support systems to better cater to the psychological well-being of these young individuals.