HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Child advocates worry an uptick in immigration enforcement and domestic violence cases are creating more traumatized youth — and urge the community to help with healing.

Just this week, immigration enforcement agents were reported to be looking for unaccompanied, undocumented children in West Maui.

Homeland Security Investigations has said the raids keep children safe from crimes like human trafficking, but children’s advocates worry about the trauma caused from separating families.

“If they’re gonna go in and take children from their homes and from their parents because of immigration issues, then send them someplace safe,” said Cynthia White, co-founder and executive director of nonprofit Kids Hurt Too. “If we have to cause harm for whatever reason, which is unfortunate, then let’s have an equal amount of creating safety.”

“We have to learn as a world to create healing environments for children because they will grow up angry or with problems, it costs the country millions in addressing physical, mental, and behavior problems and that are all a consequence of grief and trauma,” White added.

That’s why Kids Hurt Too is stepping up outreach in places like Lahaina and west Oahu. Programs like Surf for the Soul and its Community Bus support youth who’ve experienced trauma or loss, from separation, suicide, domestic abuse and other tragic events.

In White’s new book, “Everything That Happens is Right: A Quantum Model for Grief Work with Children,” she explains the importance of unconditional love and creating a safe environment for keiki.

It’s set to be released on April 22.

Her goals is to teach children and anyone around them two keys to healing — unconditional love and a safe environment. White says it starts with honest communication with keiki.

“Give them access to their story. They need information. A lot of times we think we’re protecting children by not telling them what’s going on, but in fact that actually makes them more afraid and distrustful, and children rely on relationships of trust,” she said.

It’s also important in cases of domestic violence, where children may end up in foster care.

And when kids act out as a survival response, White says to respond with unconditional love.

“Children who are having difficulties are showing us their need and instead of responding to the need, we judge it,” she said. “Let’s love them into a more healthy, happy, joyful life where they can be creative and be children and have their imaginations run wild and and play again.”

If you suspect child abuse or neglect, contact the Child Welfare Services hotline 24/7 on Oahu (808) 832-5300 and toll-free on Neighbor Islands (888) 380-3088.

Copyright 2025 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.