I want a plan in case I am separated from my children
Who cares for them, the forms, money and talking with kids.
5 steps
Step 1 of 5: Make the plan
Start with the basics: who, where and which papers.
Step 2 of 5: Choose who cares for your children
California has more than one way to do this. Pick what fits your family.
- Who Cares for My ChildrenYou can choose who cares for your children if you are detained. California gives you several legal ways to do it, from a free two page form to a court guardianship. Here is what each one does, what it cannot do, and how to pick the right one for your family.Guide
- Caregiver Form HelpThis free two page form lets a relative or friend enroll a child in school and get the child health care. You can fill it out in one sitting, with no notary and no court. Here is every line, what to write, and what to do with it after.Guide
- Caregiver choice worksheetPrint it and fill it in by handChecklist
Step 3 of 5: Plan the money
Rent, bank accounts and bills keep going.
- Family Money PlanIf someone in your family is detained, the rent, the car payment and the bank account still need someone to handle them. A money plan made today lets a person you trust step in fast. You can start this week with one worksheet and one conversation.Guide
- Family money plan worksheetPrint it and fill it in by handChecklist
Step 4 of 5: Talk with your children
Calm, honest words help children feel safer.
- Children Afraid of RaidsYour child heard about raids at school, saw a video, or watched it happen on your street. Now they are scared. You don't need perfect words. You need to listen, tell the truth in a way they can hold, and keep their days steady. Here's how, by age, with free help in California and the Bay Area.Guide
- What to say when your child is afraid of raidsPrint it and fill it in by handChecklist
Step 5 of 5: Get help from a person
You do not have to do this alone. Ask about cost, languages and current openings before you share documents.
- Step-by-Step Family Preparedness PlanA free, fillable toolkit from the Immigrant Legal Resource Center to help families plan child care if a parent is detained, find trusted immigration help and prepare to assert their rights. It includes California child care options.Organization
- ImmigrationLawHelp.orgA national directory of free or low-cost nonprofit immigration legal service providers. Search by ZIP code, county or the name of a detention facility.Organization
This page puts DNLH guides in a useful order. It is general information, not legal advice. Each guide shows its sources and the date its facts were checked.
Not quite your situation?
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