Despite high levels of traumatic exposure, refugees often do not seek mental health services upon resettlement. The purpose of this study was to examine both concepts of mental illness in addition to attitudes and beliefs about treatment as well as potential barriers to accessing mental health services. To that end, qualitative research was done using focus groups with Congolese and Somali men and women in the United States (n = 48) in addition to a community survey with women from those communities (n = 296) administered by staff of a community-based organization. Mental health concerns, although identified, were often dealt with first in the communities themselves with the help of family or friends. Great emphasis was placed on their respective communities of faith. The actual role of mental health professionals was not well understood, and there was apparent hesitancy to use services, which also relates to issues of stigma.

Haitian, Chinese, Somali, Ethiopian, and Asian/Pacific Islander Perspectives on Research abstract Researchers often approach community-based organizations as an access point to engage underserved populations in studies. In this article, 5 representatives of community organizations present their perspectives on the complexity of researcher-community partnerships and the nuances of engaging Haitian, Ethiopian, Somali, Chinese, and Asian/Pacific Islander populations in research. Each representative presents recommendations for gaining trust and understanding within their communities and challenge researchers to move beyond seeking knowledge and into social action that improves the lives of their constituents. Pediatrics 2010;126:S137-S142

Children and youth with disabilities and special health care needs (CYSHCN) represent 13% to 15% of the US population. Their concerns are physical, intellectual, emotional, and social. Frequently, these children and youth contend with multiple, compounded problems. Although the medical, educational, and social systems address the concerns of CYSHCN as high priorities, CYSHCN from traditionally underserved groups continue to face significant barriers to community inclusion. They often do not enjoy the fruits of the new types of health, educational, and social services afforded to other CYSHCN. In this supplement to Pediatrics, we present a compilation of articles from researchers, clinicians, policy makers, medical educators, community-based organizations, and parents. Collectively, these authors ask the question, "How can we break through the persistent barriers that keep CYSHCN from underserved groups from benefiting from community inclusion and community-based services?"Pediatricians and other child-helping professionals are increasingly aware that new approaches including parent-professional partnerships and community-based participatory research can help break down barriers faced by children and families from underserved communities. In the community, new integrated models offer a potential path for improving the health and life experiences of CYSHCN from traditionally underserved communities. In this supplement to Pediatrics, we explore some of the new ways that research projects and service-delivery programs are bringing families, communities, and providers together to review data, question assumptions, follow trends, query results, and suggest modifications in direction. BACKGROUNDIn 1999, the Olmstead decision of the US Supreme Court (Olmstead v L. C. and E. W.) spotlighted the fact that well after the passage of the Americans With Disabilities Act, people with disabilities were encountering persistent barriers to community integration. Although the Olmstead decision related primarily to the concerns of adults with disabilities, it had important implications for children and adolescents, particularly for traditionally marginalized and minority populations. As a direct response to the Olmstead decision, the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) identified "children and youth with disabilities and special health care needs from traditionally underserved communities" as a group that had been largely bypassed by many disability service reforms and community-inclusion initiatives. In 2005, to study this issue and to stimulate corrective action, the NIDRR released a request for proposals for a national rehabilitation research and training center focused on issues pertinent to these children and youth.