A Systematic Literature Review of Psychosocial Support for Newly Arrived Refugee Youth

Background & Aim: According to the European Commission around 50 million children are in migration worldwide. Approximately 50% of the refugee population are minors. International agreements such as the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child state that children have to be specifically protected. States are required to ensure children’s wellbeing and to promote physical and psychological health for children. Research focusing on social and psychological consequences for refugee youth widely exists. Many studies highlight their vulnerability and the need of adequate psychosocial care after their arrival in a host country. This includes social work and psychological support within residential care, refugee camps, schools or other institutions. The main interest of the review is to outline existing psychosocial interventions supporting refugee youth during the first year after their arrival and to focus on the perception of received support from the perspective of adolescent refugees.

Method: A systemic literature review was carried out using four major databases being relevant for psychology/social work research (PSYCINFO, PSYCNDEX, PubMed/Medline, Web of Science). Studies published between 1990 and 2018 were analyzed. Publications by various (N)GOs (UNHCR, Human Rights Watch, IOM, WHO, UNICEF, Medico International) were also added to the analysis.

Results & Implications: The paper provides an insight into psychosocial interventions with refugee youth and their perspectives on the resettling experience. Moreover, it presents concepts and interventions supporting children’s wellbeing during resettlement in host countries. Findings point towards the increasing need for professional and adequate psychosocial support shortly after arrival and show that research toward evidence-based practices has to be intensified.