Challenges to the Well-Being of Refugee Youth and Children

Refugee youth and children in the United States often find themselves in difficult situations that undermine their opportunities to grow up as happy, healthy, educated and responsible members of family and community. That many of them succeed is a tribute to the strengths and survival skills of refugees, as well as to the adaptability and energy of youth and children in particular.

The challenges are great. War, persecution and flight from their native countries can create intense trauma for families, a sense of loss, and fear. Resettlement then presents numerous hurdles, such as adapting to a new language and culture. The limited means with which most refugees begin their lives here often necessitate living in resource-poor neighborhoods, or those with a high incidence of crime. Having left their homelands due to ethnic, religious or other persecution, many refugees also face discrimination in the United States.

In addition to dealing with the risks that surround all young people in the United States, many refugee youth and children must take on adult responsibilities to help their families adjust to life in this country. This can profoundly affect family dynamics. Some refugee youth and children, having lost their own parents, must adapt to life with distant relatives or foster families. Combinations of these factors can lead to problems in the areas of personal and cultural identity, educational attainment, inter-generational understanding, family cohesion, delinquency, neglect, abuse, misunderstandings and community strain.

In assisting refugee youth and children, service providers need access to in-depth information about refugee cultures, trauma, resulting family dynamics and the special needs of refugee youth. Culturally and linguistically appropriate staffing and services are essential, as are understanding and communication between agencies. Attending to these needs helps agencies build productive partnerships with refugee communities, provide effective services and resources, and support refugee parents in the difficult task of raising their children in a new culture.

Communal Problems Call for Collaborative Solutions

Professionals working in the fields of child well-being and refugee services recognize the communal nature of problems they encounter, as well as the need for collaborative responses. Child welfare agencies work with a range of social service agencies, professionals and communities in assisting families and guarding against child abuse and neglect. Refugee-serving agencies also bring together resources and people from many walks for life for the purpose of supporting refugee families.

BRYCS assists diverse service providers in working together, on local and national levels, to address the complex challenges faced by refugee youth, children, and their families.