Refugee communities and intercultural dialogue

Investigators

Emeritus Professor Morag McArthur, Dr Vicky Saunders, Dr Steven Roche (Institute of Child Protection Studies, Australian Catholic University) in partnership with the Australian Centre for Child Protection

Funding

Australian Government Department of Social Services

Aims

Examine how services may better support refugee parents to care for their children to minimise the number of children entering the statutory care and protection system

Background

Refugee families resettling into Australia often experience a range of challenges before and during their resettlement. The resettlement process is complex, characterised with psychological and emotional stress. As families adapt to a new and unfamiliar culture, and new social systems and changing family roles and dynamics, some families experience difficulties managing family conflict and developing culturally appropriate parenting practices.

Project details

This research provided in-depth and contextualised data about how services may better support refugee parents to care for their children, in an attempt to reduce the numbers of children of refugee parents entering the statutory care and protection system. It sought to better understand the social resources and connections required by refugee parents and their children to support positive parenting skills, build family relationships and build communities.

Method

• Interviews with parents, children and young people
• Workshops with key community members
• Online survey of practitioners

Key findings

• Challenges: Refugee families often encounter difficulties such as language barriers, cultural differences, and limited understanding of available services.
• Support systems: Both formal services (e.g., government programs) and informal networks (e.g., community groups) play crucial roles in assisting refugee families.
• Barriers: Factors like complex service systems, lack of culturally appropriate services, and previous trauma can hinder access to support.

Recommendations

• Service improvement: Develop culturally sensitive programs that address the specific needs of refugee families.
• Community engagement: Foster strong connections between refugee communities and support services to enhance trust and accessibility.
• Policy development: Implement policies that recognize and address the unique challenges faced by refugee families during resettlement.

Projected community impact

The study recommendations can be used to inform how service systems could improve the experiences of families with a refugee background.

Publications

Saunders, V., & McArthur, M. (2013). Getting it Right: Research with Refugee Background Children. In K. De Gioia & P. Whiteman (Eds.), Immigrant and Refugee Families, pp. 23-40. Newcastle upon Tyne: Cambridge Scholars Publishing

Saunders, V., McArthur, M., Moore, T., Inglis, A., & Golic, V. (2012). Getting it Right: How Best to Engage Refugee Children and Their Parents in Research about their Resettlement in Australia. Canberra: Institute of Child Protection Studies, ACU

Project timeline

Completed 2013

Contact

For more information contact: icps@acu.edu.au