Supporting refugee families in Australia (original) (raw)

2016, Institute of Child Protection Studies research to practice series

The Institute of Child Protection Studies at the Australian Catholic University was established in 2005 to carry out high quality research, evaluation and professional development to enhance outcomes for children, young people and families. Institute of Child Protection Studies Research to Practice Series Section 1 Challenges experienced by refugee families resettling in Australia Fifteen: Supporting Refugee Families in Australia Families with a refugee background often experience a range of challenges both prior to and during their resettlement in Australia. Refugee children, young people and their parents have often experienced frightening, traumatic, violent and life-threatening situations in their home countries prior to commencing their journey to safety; and may have spent years in refugee camps or time in immigration detention, prior to resettlement in Australia. These experiences, which can lead to significant psychological and emotional stress for families, underpin the complexity of their resettlement in Australia. Upon resettlement, concerns about language, employment, medical and health needs, education and housing; alongside the impacts of trauma and mental health issues, can make parenting a challenging task. As families adapt to a new and unfamiliar culture, new social systems and changing family roles and dynamics, some families experience difficulties managing family conflict and developing culturally appropriate parenting practices.