Bridging cultures, protecting families

Immigrants and refugee parents often find themselves in a completely new environment and in a society with different values and practices that they are expected to follow and comply with, without enough information to help and guide them through the integration process.

Normally in the new communities they find themselves in, the emphasis is given to the young school children who, because of their age, will find it easy to learn both language and culture, hence integrating faster than the parents but also leaving a visible gap within the homes where they live.

As a result, there is a gap both in cultural practices and mixing, but the homes end up in conflicts where the children are, in most cases, removed from their parents and taken to foster homes, and most homes end up being divided forever.

This has not only led to the breakup of cohesive family units but also an increase in breakups of marriages within the immigrant community and an increase in cases of mental and psychological problems within the immigrant communities, leading to an increase in substance abuse and even death by suicide in extreme cases.

Most immigrant families find it difficult to conform to practices in their host countries because, for example, punishment of a child in some communities in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia is considered grooming and acceptable, while in the Western world it can be considered child abuse.

It must therefore be noted that the lack of knowledge and information about cultural differences and practices in host countries. What is expected of immigrant parents and their expectations from the host communities to avoid cultural clash within family members.

CRIP is powered by dedicated volunteers and board members who give their time freely. You can make an immediate difference by connecting families in need with us early, sharing our mission, or offering your expertise as a translator, lawyer, social worker, or teacher. Your generous financial gifts support everyday advocacy costs, including translation services and representation during school disputes or Veilig Thuis investigations. Direct donations can be made to Stichting Concern for Refugee & Immigrant Parents (IBAN: NL58 BUNQ 2125 6163 78, KvK: 94618569).