Navigating Resettlement for Active Citizenship: Exploring Socio-cultural Adjustment, Experiences and Expectations of Young Australian Refugees Studying in South Australia

The successful settlement of young Australians from refugee backgrounds as fully participating Australian citizens is desirable both for society and the individuals concerned, as it directly affects their contribution to the nation at large. There is some evidence that recently arrived refugee youth face a unique set of challenges that are outside the experience of youth in the general population. Although some individuals can overcome substantial difficulties to successfully integrate in their new country, it appears that many refugee youth are not accessing support services which could increase their prospects for successful integration. This large scale mixed-methods study targeted 600 youth with refugee backgrounds, aged 15-24 years, from three target regions: Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East. A survey was completed by refugee youth to capture information relating to areas such as acculturation and adaptation, emotional health and well-being, family functioning, help seeking behaviours, and education and workplace experiences. Questionnaires were administered face-to-face by experienced bilingual youth workers who were from the same or similar ethnic backgrounds as participants. This paper presents some of the key research findings, focusing particular attention on the nature and prevalence of social, behavioural, and mental health challenges as well as mapping youths’ experiences and expectations impacting their adjustment and wellbeing. The research findings will contribute new and unique insights to knowledge in relation to key factors influencing further education and employment outcomes among Australian refugee youth. The study will also help bridge the gap that is often left between research, policy, and practice.