Purpose: The global forced migration crisis calls for responsive, research-supported social services. This systematic review examines available research on social service programs implemented with refugees worldwide. Methods: Through accessing academic databases, reviewing article reference lists and websites, and contacting experts, we identified 1,402 sources, 68 of which met review inclusion criteria and were selected for analysis. Results: Studies were conducted primarily in high-income countries ( n = 57). Programs examined were related to general adaptation ( n = 13), relationships ( n = 20), financial and employment support ( n = 15), or a specific area such as sport or gardening ( n = 20). Few studies used pre–post ( n = 6) or experimental designs ( n = 1), and in a majority of studies, the theory underlying the intervention was not specified ( n = 41). Discussion: Additional research is needed to better understand social service programming with refugees, particularly in understudied contexts.
Refugee resettlement in the US is built on the aim of assisting newcomers to quickly establish self-sufficiency. As resettlement opportunities shrink, securing national borders has become a U.S. priority. These aims neglect the reasons why people seek resettlement. Conducted at a time of change in U.S. resettlement, interviews with eighty-eight refugees resettled at least 5 years prior examined resettlement priorities and perceptions of successful resettlement. Participants prioritized safety, educational opportunity, financial stability, and social connections. U.S. resettlement policies and programmes can be strengthened through an increased focus on safety, education, and community building, in addition to the existing emphasis on economic outcomes. Additionally, resettlement services can expand to assist newcomers in navigating these priorities.
Recent U.S. refugee policy and political rhetoric have sanctioned anti-refugee sentiment, fostering beliefs of refugees as other, threatening, or less than. Following the transition into the Trump administration, interviews with 88 refugees resettled long-term in the U.S. were conducted to examine the impact of the post-2016 political climate. Major themes included feelings of uncertainty regarding refugee status and stability, changes in perception of U.S. citizenship, and a sense of unwelcome. The harmful effects of political environments must be recognized in order to appropriately support refugee communities through social service programming and advocacy. Social workers can elevate refugee voices while working to improve resettlement services and enhance supportive social policy. Increased attention to refugee perspectives may facilitate understanding and decrease stigma moving forward in a new political era.
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