How Can We Support Unaccompanied Refugee Minors After Settlement?

What you need to know

• Unaccompanied refugee minors face unique challenges and are at high risk for mental health issues after resettlement
• This study surveyed 81 unaccompanied minors in Norway about their experiences, mental health, and quality of life
• Results will be used to improve support services and develop recommendations for successfully settling unaccompanied minors

Background

In recent years, many countries have seen an increase in unaccompanied refugee minors - children under 18 who arrive seeking asylum without parents or guardians. These young people face significant challenges as they adjust to life in a new country without the support of family.

Norway, like many European countries, has worked to improve its processes for settling unaccompanied minors. However, there are still gaps in knowledge about how best to support these vulnerable youth. This study aimed to gain insight into the experiences and needs of unaccompanied minors after resettlement, in order to improve services and outcomes.

Who are unaccompanied refugee minors?

Unaccompanied refugee minors are a diverse group, coming from different countries and cultures with varying levels of education and reasons for fleeing their homes. However, they share some common experiences:

• Arriving in a new country without parents or guardians during a formative period of life
• Potential exposure to trauma in their home country, during their journey, or after arrival
• Navigating a new culture, language, and systems without family support

In Norway in 2015, most unaccompanied minors were:

• Male (over 90%)
• Over age 15 (80%)
• From countries like Afghanistan, Eritrea, Syria and Somalia

Mental health concerns

Research has found that unaccompanied refugee minors are at high risk for mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These problems often persist even years after resettlement.

One study in Norway found that 5 years after arrival:

• 24% had clinical levels of depression symptoms
• 15% had clinical levels of anxiety symptoms
• 42% had clinical levels of PTSD symptoms

Girls and those exposed to more traumatic events were at higher risk. Ongoing daily stressors were also linked to mental health problems.

The study

This study, called “Pathways to Independence,” surveyed 81 unaccompanied refugee minors aged 15 and older who were receiving services from child welfare in Bergen, Norway.

The survey covered topics like:

• Experiences with child welfare services
• School and social activities
• Mental and physical health
• Exposure to trauma
• Quality of life
• Cultural adaptation

The researchers used standardized questionnaires that had been used in other Norwegian youth studies. This allows them to compare results to both the general youth population and youth in foster care.

Key findings

While full results are still being analyzed, some key findings include:

Demographics:

• 82.7% were male
• Average age was 18 (range 15-20)
• Most common countries of origin were Afghanistan (46.9%), Eritrea (17.3%), Syria (9.9%), and Somalia (8.6%)

Mental health:

• Many reported symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD
• Rates were higher than in the general youth population

Positive findings:

• Most were attending school regularly
• Many reported having Norwegian friends and participating in activities

Areas for improvement:

• Some felt they did not have enough contact with their caseworkers
• Many had moved multiple times since arrival, lacking stability
• Some struggled with loneliness and missing family

How the results will be used

The researchers are working closely with child welfare services to use these findings to improve support for unaccompanied minors. Some ways the results may lead to changes include:

• Increasing caseworker contact and follow-up
• Providing more mental health screening and services
• Offering more opportunities for social connection and activities
• Improving stability in housing placements
• Tailoring services to meet cultural needs

The findings will also be published to inform policies and practices in other areas working with unaccompanied minors.

Why this research matters

Unaccompanied refugee minors are a vulnerable group with complex needs. By better understanding their experiences and challenges, we can develop more effective ways to support their wellbeing and integration. This not only benefits the youth themselves, but also contributes to public health and social cohesion in resettlement countries.

Key takeaways include:

• The importance of mental health screening and culturally-appropriate mental health services
• The need for stability in housing and relationships with supportive adults
• Opportunities for social connection and meaningful activities are crucial
• Services should be tailored to meet both basic needs and higher-level needs like belonging and self-actualization

Conclusions

• Unaccompanied refugee minors face significant mental health risks that often persist years after resettlement
• Comprehensive assessment of needs and experiences can inform better support services
• Stability, social connection, and culturally-appropriate mental health care are key areas for improvement
• Ongoing collaboration between researchers, service providers, and youth themselves is crucial for developing effective practices

While resettling unaccompanied minors presents challenges, studies like this provide valuable insights to guide policies and services. With targeted, evidence-based support, we can help these resilient young people overcome adversity and thrive in their new homes.