V-STEP: IMMIGRANT YOUTH: INTERSECTION OF HOMELESSNESS

This 2 hour training aims to understand the intersection of immigration, trauma, victimization, and homelessness for immigrant youths in the United States.

TITLE: IMMIGRANT YOUTH: INTERSECTION OF HOMELESSNESS, VICTIMIZATION-PRINCIPLES FOR CHANGE

DATE and TIME:

Tuesday June 10, 2025 ~ 12:00PM - 2:00PM EST

SUMMARY:

Immigration cases involving youth are even more complicated and implicate sensitive issues beyond those encountered in adult cases. With sharp increases in the numbers of unaccompanied immigrant youth entering the United States, state courts and victim advocates play a critical role in these youth protections.

OBJECTIVES:

• Understanding needs of youth immigrant and other marginalized youth

• Understanding the intersection between immigration, trauma, crime victimization and homelessness

• Recognize the challenges that unaccompanied youth face in applying for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.

• Identify opportunities for help to youth immigrants

PRESENTER:

Gabriela Wasileski, Ph.D. is Associate Professor and Director of the BSCJ Program in the School of Criminal Justice, University of Baltimore. Recently awarded the College of Public Affair’s 2019 Outstanding Scholar, her research focuses on comparative immigration policies, human rights, gender, crime and victimization, trauma recovery, migrant victimization, and human trafficking. Dr. Wasileski holds a MA in Criminology and Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Delaware, and MSW from Comenius University. Prior to entering academia, she was a practicing Social Worker in Slovakia.

TRAINING CONTACTS:

Training Contact: Anne Milun, VASIII, Program Manager, 410-837-5055, alitecky@ubalt.edu; Cherie Peay, Program Coordinator at 443-600-1621, cpeay@ubalt.edu; and Nicole Feldhaus, Technician, 410-274-4655, nfeldhauslitecky@ubalt.edu

Certificate of Training, Social Work CEUs and Academic Credits:

RVAAM selected curriculum has been approved for specific professions (e.g. social work, law enforcement, corrections, probation/parole) Upon completion of an online evaluation form, participants are welcome to request a Certificate of Training; Social Work Category I Continuing Education Units (CEUs), and/or academic credits. All participants are eligible to receive a Certificate of Training (1 credit per training hour).

In order to receive a Certificate of Training, participants video cameras must remain on during all V-STEP Webinar trainings.

ROPER VICTIM ASSISTANCE ACADMEY OF MARYLAND

Victim Services Training Enhancement Program (V-STEP)…Bringing Crime Victim Training and Certification to Maryland Communities.

Victim Services Advanced Trainings (V-STEP) are held virtually and in 5 regional locations across Maryland. Roper Victim Assistance Academy of Maryland (RVAAM) provides basic training twice a year (40 hour curriculum). For more information, please contact Anne Milun, V-STEP Program Manager for information or to schedule a training for your agency or organization.