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

It is important to plan ahead in case you or a family member is detained or deported. These guides can help you make a plan and protect your family.

Family Preparedness Guides

  1. Family preparedness plan - Two-page quick guide by National Partnership for New Americans (NPNA).

    Available in: English

  2. What to Do if You or a Loved One Is Detained (August 2025) by National Immigrant Justice Center

    Available in: English, Spanish, Arabic, French, Haitian Creole

  3. How to Find a Loved One After a U.S. Immigration Arrest   by National Immigration Law Center.

    Available in: Spanish, Haitian Creole, Chinese - Simplified, Chinese - Traditional, Korean, Vietnamese, Arabic, Informed Immigrant (English), Español

  4. United We Dream: Preparedness Packet Includes checklists, contact forms, planning tools for parents and caregivers.

    Available in: English, Spanish

  5. Family Safety Planning by People's Law Library of Maryland.

    Part 1: how to choose a caregiver | Part 2: what documents to prepare

  6. Deportation Manual for Immigrant Families (June 2025) by Appleseed Network.

    Available in: English(pdf, 198 pages), Español(pdf, 203 páginas)

Family Information Tracking Forms

Forms to keep track of your family's important information or update emergency contacts.

How to Protect your Children

  1. Designate a Legal Standby Guardian to Protect Your Child if You’re Detained, Deported, or Seriously Ill

    Learn how to legally designate someone to take care of your child if you are in danger of being detained, deported, or have serious health issues. Having a standby guardian will prevent your child from entering the foster care system if you are unable to care for them.

    Website :  Standby Guardianship Project (English) , ( Español)

    Phone : 240-535-5966

    Video : Webinar explaining the Standby Guardianship Law in Maryland. In  English  and  Spanish

    The Standby Guardianship Project helps you take steps to prepare for:

    • Creating a Family Plan
    • Identifying a caretaker
    • Completing the Form
    • Filing Petition by Standby Guardian if the parent needs a standby guardian after 180 days, and more.

  2. Maryland Court Form for designating a standby guardian:

    Available in: English,   Spanish,   French,   Brazilian Portuguese,   Amharic,   Russian,   Chinese,   Korean,   Hindi,   Arabic,   Yoruba,   Urdu,   Tagalog,   Twi,   Igbo,   Somali.

  3. Alternatives to Guardianship: Powers of Attorney

    Video explaining the financial "Power of Attorney" - by People's Law Library of Maryland
    Available in:  English

  4. Resources from Women's Refugee Commission: