Promoting the psychological well-being of refugee children

Abstract

Meeting the mental health needs of Somali refugee children in Wales creates significant difficulties for service provision. Some case examples are provided. The children's needs, the services received and the plight of refugee children are discussed in the context of the following key areas: (i) the child (aspects of development); (ii) the referred problem; (iii) the war/refugee context; (iv) Somali culture; and (v) the host culture. Developmental factors relating to the vulnerability of refugee boys in the host culture are identified. Based on their experiences and with the benefit of recent literature, the authors recommend a coordinated and culturally sensitive approach to the care of refugee children and their families.