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Educational, developmental and psychological outcomes of resettled refugee children in Western A ustralia: A review of S chool of S pecial E ducational N eeds: M edical and M ental H ealth input
Author(s) -
Mace Ariel Olivia,
Mulheron Shani,
Jones Caleb,
Cherian Sarah
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
journal of paediatrics and child health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.631
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1440-1754
pISSN - 1034-4810
DOI - 10.1111/jpc.12674
Subject(s) - medicine , psychosocial , refugee , cohort , odds ratio , family medicine , psychiatry , history , archaeology
Aim There are limited data regarding the educational backgrounds and associated psychological and developmental outcomes of refugee children resettling in W estern A ustralia ( WA ). The WA paediatric R efugee H ealth S ervice ( RHS ) revised its first consult questionnaire ( A ugust 2011) to increase educational and psychosocial documentation, concurrent with engagement of a S chool of S pecial E ducational N eeds: M edical and M ental H ealth ( SSEN: MMH ) liaison teacher. This study aims to utilise these data to increase understanding of this cohort's educational, developmental and psychological needs and to describe SSEN: MMH's role within the RHS . Methods Retrospective audit and analyses were performed on all initial standardised questionnaires for school‐aged refugee children (4–18 years) and SSEN: MMH referrals between A ugust 2011 and D ecember 2012. Results Demographic data from 332 refugees are described (mean age 9.58 ± standard deviation 3.43 years). Detailed educational information was available for 205 children. Prior education was limited (median 2 years), 64.9% experienced likely schooling interruption and 55.8% received education in their primary language. Language development concerns were significantly associated with previous education in a second language (odds ratio ( OR ) 4.55, P < 0.05). Other severe developmental and schooling issues were uncommon at presentation, with few correlations to prior education. In contrast, several migration factors, including family separation and mandatory detention, were significantly associated with psychological comorbidities such as post‐traumatic stress disorder ( OR 5.60, P < 0.001 and OR 14.57, P < 0.001, respectively). SSEN: MMH reviewed 59 complex cases. Referral was significantly associated with multiple educational, developmental and psychological concerns. Conclusions Refugee children have varied migration, trauma and educational backgrounds, impacting on health and psychological outcomes. In‐depth multidisciplinary history including prior education and psychosocial issues is recommended. Partnering with education services appears to play an effective, multifaceted role in aiding resettlement; however, longitudinal studies are required.