Child and Adolescent Refugees: Developmental Differences

As they acculturate, refugee children face a distinct set of obstacles that are mediated by certain risk and protective factors. Their experiences differ, however, based on their developmental stage at the time of arrival in the host country. This article discusses the different effects of the refugee experience on the development of children and adolescents. It suggests that change is needed in current intervention programs and services. Such change should recognize and accommodate these differences in order to deliver more effective services.