Essentials of Working with Latino Families

Maria Martin Early Childhood Initiative Coordinator

Julie Smithwick Executive Director

2010 US Population by Race/Ethnicity

Total 308,745, 538 100%

White 223,553,265 72.4%

Latino 50,477,594 16.3%

African American

38,929,319 12.6%

Source: US Census Bureau

Main Reason for Migration

Since the 1990’s until the present day, Hispanic/Latino immigration grew rapidly into the “non-traditional” states and predominantly among the southern states of North Carolina, Arkansas, Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, and South Carolina Primarily immigrants migrate to the U.S. to find better quality of life. However, the most significant cause of Hispanic/Latino immigration, past and present, is economic opportunities – jobs.

Definition of Hispanic/Latino Origin Used in the 2010 Census

“Hispanic or Latino” refers to a person of Cuban, Puerto Rican, Mexican, South or Central American, or other Spanish culture or origin regardless of race and the terms are use interchangeably.

States with Largest Hispanic Population Growth 2000-2010

State Growth 2000-2010 (%)

South Carolina 148

Alabama 145

Tennessee 134

Kentucky 122

Arkansas 114

North Carolina 111

State Growth

2000-2010 (%)

Maryland 106

Mississippi 106

South Dakota 103

Delaware 96

Georgia 96

Virginia 92 Source: Pew Hispanic Center tabulations of U.S. Census Bureau Redistricting_Files-PL_94-171 for states PEW HISPANIC CENTER, March 2011

SC Counties with the Largest Latino Population

County Latino Population Greenville 36,495 Beaufort 19,567 Charleston 18,877 Richland 18,637 Horry 16,683 Spartanburg 16,658 Lexington 14,529 Berkeley 10,755 York 10,075 Aiken 7,824

Counties with Largest Latino Population Growth (%)

County % of Total Population

Marlboro 290.2

Dorchester 252.8

Lexington 250.4

Lancaster 246.0

Horry 229.9

2013 Children Under 5 by Race/Ethnicity

Total 311,013 100.0%

White 170,962 55.0%

African American 99,475 32.0%

Latino 33,806 10.9%

Non-Hispanic other Race 6,770 2.2%

Source: KIDS COUNT Data Center, Data Provided by Children’s Trust

Child Poverty in SC

41% of Latino Children live in poverty compared to 24% of all SC children

Source: National Center for Children in Poverty

Barriers to Traditional Services and Programs for Many Immigrants

¢  English language proficiency ¢  Transportation ¢  Insurance ¢  Fear ¢  Need for information on health care system ¢  Acculturation levels ¢  Discrimination ¢  Anti-immigrant laws

Cultural Strengths

"  Strong Families "  High value placed on children "  High value on education "  Good birth outcomes, healthy start as infants "  Strong social and emotional skills "  Bilingual

Some Culture Characteristics

"  Most common language is Spanish "  Religion: Mostly Roman Catholics "  Traditional Belief Systems "  Value on the Family "  Personalismo "  Respeto "  Confianza

Culture Differences

"  Formality of relationship with provider "  Non-verbal behaviors: ◦ looking to advocate or family ◦ looking away from professional ◦ nodding to “please” "  Concept of time "  Use of natural medicine "  Communication style

Conclusion

To most, America is still the country where human rights, opportunity, and success are possibilities; it inherently inspires hope in

those who want nothing more than to make their contribution.

Jorge Ramos, The Other Face of America