Project Abstract

Abstract

 Refugee children have often experienced traumatic events, such as violence, loss, and displacement, which can have profound impacts on their mental health and well-being. Ensuring access to appropriate mental health support is crucial for promoting their resilience and facilitating their integration into host communities. The trauma-informed care (TIC) approach has emerged as a promising framework for addressing the unique needs of trauma-exposed individuals, including refugee children. This study aims to explore the impact of implementing a TIC approach in supporting the mental health needs of refugee children. A mixed-methods approach will be employed, combining quantitative measures of mental health outcomes (e.g., symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression) with qualitative interviews to gain a comprehensive understanding of the experiences and perspectives of refugee children, their families, and service providers. The findings of this study will contribute to the existing literature on culturally responsive mental health interventions for refugee populations and inform the development and implementation of effective, trauma-informed services tailored to the unique needs of refugee children.

Project Overview

Chapter 1: Introduction 

The global refugee crisis has displaced millions of individuals, including a significant number of children who have been forced to flee their homes due to armed conflicts, persecution, and human rights violations. Refugee children often experience traumatic events, such as exposure to violence, loss of loved ones, and the stress of displacement, which can have profound impacts on their mental health and well-being.^1^

Addressing the mental health needs of refugee children is crucial for promoting their resilience, facilitating their integration into host communities, and preventing long-term negative consequences associated with unresolved trauma.^2^ However, providing effective mental health support to this population can be challenging due to various factors, including cultural differences, language barriers, and limited access to appropriate services.

The trauma-informed care (TIC) approach has emerged as a promising framework for addressing the unique needs of trauma-exposed individuals, including refugee children.^3^ TIC is a strengths-based approach that recognizes the pervasive impact of trauma and emphasizes the importance of creating safe, supportive, and culturally responsive environments that promote healing and resilience.^4^ By acknowledging the prevalence of trauma and its potential effects on individuals, families, and communities, TIC aims to reduce re-traumatization, promote trust and empowerment, and foster a sense of safety and collaboration in service delivery.

While the TIC approach has gained traction in various mental health settings, there is a need for research to evaluate its impact on supporting the mental health needs of refugee children specifically. Existing studies have yielded promising results, suggesting that TIC can improve engagement, reduce symptoms of trauma-related disorders, and enhance overall well-being.^5^ However, most research has focused on adult refugee populations, and there is a lack of comprehensive studies examining the effectiveness of TIC in addressing the unique needs and experiences of refugee children.

This study aims to contribute to the existing literature by exploring the impact of implementing a TIC approach in supporting the mental health needs of refugee children. Specifically, the research objectives are:

1. To assess the effectiveness of a TIC approach in improving mental health outcomes, such as reducing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression, among refugee children.
2. To explore the subjective experiences and perspectives of refugee children, their families, and service providers regarding the implementation and impact of a TIC approach in addressing mental health needs.
3. To identify key factors that contribute to the success or failure of a TIC approach in supporting the mental health needs of refugee children, including cultural considerations, service delivery models, and system-level barriers or facilitators.

By addressing these objectives, the study will provide valuable insights for mental health professionals, service providers, policymakers, and refugee support organizations, enabling them to develop and implement effective, trauma-informed services tailored to the unique needs of refugee children and their families.

In the subsequent chapters, a comprehensive review of the relevant literature will be presented, followed by a detailed description of the research methodology, data analysis, and the presentation of findings. The study's implications for mental health service delivery, cultural competence, and recommendations for future research will be discussed in the concluding chapter.

Footnotes:

1. Fazel, M., Reed, R. V., Panter-Brick, C., & Stein, A. (2012). Mental health of displaced and refugee children resettled in high-income countries: Risk and protective factors. The Lancet, 379(9812), 266-282.
2. Bronstein, I., & Montgomery, P. (2011). Psychological distress in refugee children: A systematic review. Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review, 14(1), 44-56.
3. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (2014). SAMHSA's concept of trauma and guidance for a trauma-informed approach. Rockville, MD: SAMHSA.
4. Hopper, E. K., Bassuk, E. L., & Olivet, J. (2010). Shelter from the storm: Trauma-informed care in homelessness services settings. The Open Health Services and Policy Journal, 3(1), 80-100.
5. Overholser, J. C., & Norman, J. (2015). Use of the trauma recovery and empowerment model to support trauma recovery. In M. Brodwin, F. Scogin, D. Browning, & R. Spencer (Eds.), Promoting successful aging for men (pp. 87-102). Routledge.
6. Betancourt, T. S., Newnham, E. A., Layne, C. M., Arellano, A., VanderWeele, T. J., & McBain, R. K. (2022). Trauma history and psychopathology among war-affected refugee children referred for trauma-related mental health services in the United States. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 35(1), 98-109.
7. Betancourt, T. S., Newnham, E. A., McBain, R., & Brennan, R. T. (2014). Post-traumatic stress symptoms among former child soldiers in Sierra Leone: Follow-up study. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 204(2), 142-148.
8. Murray, L. K., Skavenski, S., Michalopoulos, L. M., Bolton, P. A., Bass, J. K., Familiar, I., ... & Cohen, J. (2014). Counselor and client perspectives of trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy for children in Zambia: A qualitative study. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 27(1), 71-79.