Young Children who Have Experienced Refugee or War-related Trauma

Abstract

Violence is of increasing concern in our society and the development of an increasing number of children is compromised due to experiences of violence and trauma. Children who experience refugee or war-related trauma and violence are attending services in the community in increasing numbers. Long term outcomes for many of these children include increasing social isolation, peer rejection, violence, criminality, mental health problems and suicide. Research suggests that where services are able to meet children's needs effectively, long term outcomes can be positive. The research reported in this paper investigates the strategies used in child care services in three states of Australia to meet the needs of children who have experienced refugee or war-related trauma.