Social Thought
Volume 22, Issue 2-3, 2003, Pages 135-158

Immigrant and refugee communities: Resiliency, trauma, policy, and practice (Article)

Schmitz C.L.* , Jacobus M.V. , Stakeman C. , Valenzuela G.A. , Sprankel J.
  • a School of Social Work, University of Southern Maine, Portland, ME, 04104, United States
  • b Department of Social Work, University of Southern Maine, Portland, ME, 04104, United States
  • c Portland Public Schools, 331 Veranda Street, Portland, ME, 04103, United States
  • d Portland Public Schools, 331 Veranda Street, Portland, ME, 04103, United States
  • e School of Social Service, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO, 63103, United States

Abstract

Children and families from immigrant and refugee communities entering new lives in the United States are at risk of traumatic adjustment. Federal policies impact them directly and indirectly, privileging some while challenging others. It is incumbent upon social workers, as professionals committed to social and economic justice, to comprehensively understand the range of obstacles facing immigrants and refugees and empower them in their struggle to make a healthy adjustment. This article weaves together multiple policy and practice strands with discussion of the needs, strengths, and traumas experienced by immigrant and refugee individuals and families. The responses of a small metropolitan community to the needs of diverse immigrant and refugee populations are presented as an exemplar. © 2003 by The Haworth Press, Inc.

Author Keywords

immigrants Resiliency Refugees social policy trauma

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-34248607003&doi=10.1080%2f15426432.2003.9960346&partnerID=40&md5=2aae0efad3d4e2f923059e003cda3a0a
DOI: 10.1080/15426432.2003.9960346
ISSN: 0099183X
Cited by: 4
Original Language: English