Vulnerability in the Asian or Pacific Islander Immigrant Child

Abstract

The influx of Asian or Pacific Islander immigrants has created a challenge for United States public schools. The purpose of this article is twofold. First, it elucidates the unique situation the Asian or Pacific Islander child faces in public schools by using a case study and a vulnerability model. Its second purpose is to provide school nurses with important tools to guide them in caring for these vulnerable children. The tools consist of an assessment questionnaire for school nurses to use when they measure a child’s vulnerability level and tips to improve communication with non-English-speaking children. School nurses can use the information obtained from these tools to initiate primary, secondary, or tertiary prevention.