To our CPI Community,

I am proud of the work CPI does every day for ALL children and families in our community. For over 40 years, we have worked to assist the most vulnerable families among us. We believe and understand how important it is to assist families at such a crucial time in their lives. 

Within the last couple of weeks, there have been renewed attacks on multiple fronts that are impacting immigrants in our community. Those attacks include both changes to Public Charge and an increase of activities by ICE that target immigrants in our community.  

Make no mistake, targeting immigrants will tear families apart, and create greater risk factors such as homelessness, poor health, and unsafe living conditions. All these factors significantly increase the risk of child abuse, neglect, and child safety.  

At CPI, immigration status is never a barrier to services, but we know that some families will be fearful. The most effective method of sharing the message that our campus is a safe place is through our daily interactions with our families. 

The letter below specifically addresses the issue of Public Charge that was recently approved by the Supreme Court. I would encourage all of you to forward this letter to any contacts you have in the community.

Public Charge Restriction Harms Families

Only weeks ago a US Supreme Court ruling made it possible for the current administration to move forward with a restriction on public charge, the term used to refer to the necessary social services that may be accessed by immigrant families actively applying for permanent status, such as food, housing, and medical care. 

This restriction unduly targets new immigrants, creating greater risk factors such as homelessness, poor health, and unsafe living conditions. All these factors significantly increase the risk of child abuse, neglect and poor child safety. This restriction will ensure crushing poverty, poor nutrition, poor health and increased homelessness among an already struggling population. It will also serve to erode the trust that is needed between families and social service providers. 

Social workers, community organizations and schools have worked for many years to create a fabric of support services to assist the most vulnerable families among us. We believe it is important to understand the need to assist families at such a crucial time in their lives. 

We call upon members of the public to learn more about the impact of this decision on children and to support child abuse prevention councils and other organizations working to create systems that support children and families and keep them safe. 

Sincerely,

Robin Bowen
Executive Director