Resettlement of Refugees: A continuum of responses
It is estimated that, as a consequence of war and conflict in different regions of the world, there are some 30 million refugees and displaced persons globally. Over half are children and young people, who, along with their parents, are likely to have endured extensive loss and traumatic events. Research suggests that up to 35% of the world’s refugee population have been subject to severe physical torture and/or psychological violation, with 70% experiencing psychological or physical violence of some kind. With these experiences, refugees face significant challenges in settling in a new country and recovering from past conflict, trauma and disruption. Over recent years, Australia has accepted up to 12,000 refugees and displaced people each year, with the resulting responsibility to provide services which enhance resettlement. It is suggested that a holistic approach to service delivery is most likely to be effective, ensuring that basic rights to shelter, food, health and education are provided within the context of strengthening the capacity of the individual, the family and the community.
Mental health and well being are fundamental to resettlement and recovery from war related trauma. Services which specialise in the mental health of refugees observe the destructive nature of war, persecution and torture, which are intended to destroy the very core of the individual, the family and the community. In attempting to assist healing and hence the resettlement processes, it is useful to consider a continuum of service provision from individual and family casework, to group approaches and community capacity building. This workshop will provide a framework and strategies for such approaches, using examples from the casework, group programs in schools and community development programs of the Victorian Foundation for Survivors of Torture.