A qualitative study, using focus groups of Latino parents living in a rural Southeastern U.S. community, was conducted to explore the experiences of elementary-school-aged Latino children. Using the consensual qualitative research method to analyze participants' responses, this study identified four general themes that impact Latino children in these communities: (a) school/teacher characteristics and resources, (b) academic experiences in U.S. schools, (c) family and cultural traits, and (d) personal/social/economic factors. Implications for school counselors are detailed.

A qualitative study, using focus groups of Latino parents living in a rural Southeastern U.S. community, was conducted to explore the experiences of elementary-school-aged Latino children. Using the consensual qualitative research method to analyze participants’ responses, this study identified four general themes that impact Latino children in these communities: (a) school/teacher characteristics and resources, (b) academic experiences in U.S. schools, (c) family and cultural traits, and (d) personal/social/economic factors. Implications for school counselors are detailed.

Between the 1990 and 2000 U.S. Census several Southeastern states, largely void of a permanent Latino population prior to 1990, witnessed significantly large increases in the number of Latina/o residents, particularly in rural communities. This study was designed to ascertain the impressions of non-Latina/o teachers and school counselors working with Latina/o youngsters in elementary school settings in these communities through the use of focus group methodologies. Four general themes were identified using the Consensual Qualitative Research method of analysis: (I) Academic factors affecting Latina/o children in burgeoning communities; (II) School interventions used for addressing academic factors; (III) Latina/o children and family characteristics in burgeoning communities; and (IV) personal-socialeconomic factors impacting Latina/o children in burgeoning communities.

This article presents considerations for marriage and family counselors assisting children and adolescent clients who have witnessed or survived an isolated traumatic event or who have family members who have witnessed or survived an isolated traumatic event. Direct emotional outcomes in children and teens related to isolated traumatic events, such as separation anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder, also are presented. In addition, specific clinical interventions—including the use of play therapy, psychoeducational groups, and cognitive-behavioral therapy—are presented as specific methods for assisting children and teenagers coping with traumatic events in a variety of settings.

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