Family Preparedness

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Are you worried about what might happen to your children if you are detained by immigration or deported? What if you have a serious medical condition and you’re not able to care for them? There are steps you can take to make sure that your family is prepared, and that your children are cared for by someone you trust if you are unable to care for them yourself.

Prepare for Possible Immigration Detention or Deportation

  • Notifica App
    • If you are at risk of being picked up by ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement), download the Notifica App and enter the contact information of the people you would want to notify. If you do encounter ICE, press the emergency button on the app to notify your emergency contacts and share your location. The app clears all user data for users’ protection. App also includes helpful Know Your Rights information and other resources on DACA, mental health, etc.
  • What If I'm Picked Up By ICE? Preparing for the Possibility of Being Detained, Deported, and Separated From Your Children. By Steptoe and Johnson.
    • English version above applies to families who live anywhere in the U.S. Different language versions (Spanish, French, Amharic, Chinese) also available for Washington, D.C. residents (general information remains the same, but legal forms are specific to D.C. residents).
  • Informed Immigrant (English) ( Español)
    • Provides information on steps to take to prepare your family in case you are detained or deported.
  • Family Safety Planning ( Part 1) ( Part 2). People’s Law Library of Maryland.
    • Learn how to create a family safety plan. Part 1 discusses what a family safety plan is and how to choose a caregiver for your children if you can’t care for them. Part 2 discusses what documents to prepare and what to do with them.
  • Emergency Family File (English) ( Español)
    • A useful tool to keep track of your family's important information so you can be prepared for any emergency.
  • Parents/guardians of students in Montgomery County Public Schools should update emergency contact information using form MCPS Form 565-1, Student Emergency Information (available in other languages)

Protect Your Children with Standby Guardianship