No abstract

First and second‐generation immigrant families of young children in the United States face potential challenges that may be mitigated with stakeholder support in their communities. We examined self‐reported views and behaviors among professionals (n = 76) working with families in a mid‐Atlantic urban community, and whether these views correlated with demographic factors. Over half of respondents were not able/willing to report the number of immigrant families served and over half believed immigrant parents are less likely to advocate for themselves or their child. Participants were fairly split in seeking advice from others and comfort in talking with immigrant families about their culture/needs. It is essential to assess stakeholders' views on perceived roles, roadblocks, and desired supports. This analysis informs efforts to work more collaboratively with community partners to improve outreach to immigrant families during those formative years in a child's development. Implications for research, practice, and policy are discussed.

Tailoring support for first and second‐generation immigrant families with young children necessitates understanding the extent to which immigrant families initiate access to community resources and perceived support from formal and informal stakeholders in their ecology. As part of an exploratory analysis, we surveyed bilingual, immigrant parents (n = 54) in a mid‐Atlantic urban community in the United States. We examined factors that may correlate with seeking child‐related advice and/or emotional support. Sixty‐one percent of the sample approached at least one formal or informal contact for emotional support or advice in the past year, and willingness to do so was correlated with having a child with a suspected or diagnosed delay or disability. Stronger parent–stakeholder rapport was more likely to be reported with informal supports among younger parents (aged 20–30). Respondents with greater perceived parenting stress and child behaviour concerns were more likely to seek out stakeholders and less personalised sources. We discuss noteworthy implications for research and practice.