Citation

Portnoy S, Ward A. Clin. Child Psychol. Psychiatry 2020; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2020, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/1359104520925865

PMID

32538134

Abstract

In 2018, approximately 20,000 unaccompanied children and young people applied for asylum in a European Union country. Unaccompanied asylum-seeking children present with significant emotional and physical health needs. These needs are likely the result of the situation that led them to leave their home, the difficult journeys they make to reach safety and their living circumstances after arriving at their destination. Maintaining engagement with both screening and therapeutic health services is challenging. A stepwise approach to delivery of services is recommended so as not to overwhelm them. Case studies and personal practical experience are used to highlight key learning points.

Language: en

Keywords

trauma; refugees; narrative therapy; modern slavery; migration; physical and emotional health; separated children; trafficking; Unaccompanied asylum seeking children (UASC)