{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Practical recommendations for addressing the psychological needs of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children in England: A literature and service review.
{Author}: Yim SH;Said G;King D;
{Journal}: Clin Child Psychol Psychiatry
{Volume}: 0
{Issue}: 0
{Year}: 2024 Jun 13
{Factor}: 2.087
{DOI}: 10.1177/13591045241252858
{Abstract}: <B>BACKGROUND: </B>Globally, there is an increasing trend of forcibly displaced people, of which over 40% are children. Unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC) are at risk of experiencing psychological distress and developing mental health difficulties. However, in the UK, the approach from statutory mental health services is inconsistent across different geographical areas.<BR><B>OBJECTIVE: </B>This report outlines recommendations for statutory mental health services in the UK in relation to working with UASC.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>A rapid evaluation method was adopted including interviewing fifteen key informants as well as reviewing existing clinical guidelines. Key informants included clinicians, service managers, social workers and commissioners from Local Authorities, National Health Services, and third sector partners. Recommendations were synthesised using narrative synthesis.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>Existing service provision and barriers to the implementation of interventions were summarised and compared against existing guidelines. The report presents recommendations on assessments, screening tools, and psychological interventions for developing a pathway for UASC within statutory services.<BR>Globally, there is an increasing trend of asylum seekers and refugees, and 40% of which are children. Unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC) are at risk of experiencing psychological distress and developing mental health difficulties. Yet, service provision for this population is inconsistent across different regions in the UK and may not be sufficient to meet their psychosocial needs. We hope to provide recommendations for services in England on how to better support UASC through reviewing the existing literature, clinical guidelines, and interviewing different service providers in the country in order to identify gaps in services. We interviewed key informants, including clinicians, service managers, social workers and commissioners from Local Authorities, National Health Services, and third sector partners. We present findings on how to improve the current assessment, screening and psychological interventions for UASC.