Migration news
Volume 33, Issue 3, 1984, Pages 3-33
Voyagers in the land: a report on unaccompanied Southeast Asian refugee children. (Article)
Schulz N.* ,
Sontz A.
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a
[Affiliation not available]
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b
[Affiliation not available]
Abstract
This report examines the social and economic adaptation of 420 Southeast Asian refugee minors who are in 28 United States Catholic Conference resettlement programs. 3 surveys, completed by 1445 program practitioners and refugee children, provide the data. 20 of the 28 programs followed agency native-born foster care programs, indicating program continuity and advance planning. The programs resettled 2085 children between 1977 and 1982; 25.9% of participants programs. 40% of the programs have formal follow-up programs for emancipated children. The typical refugee is a Vietnamese, Buddhist male (78%) in good health, although 56% of the children have had some incidence of depression. Children in foster care live mainly in suburban areas; emancipated children live primarily in urban areas. 314 of the sample are still in care, with 84% resettled in foster homes. Program practitioners rate almost 77% of the refugees as having good or excellent school adjustment, and 98% want to attend college. 45% have obtained full (13%) or part-time (87%) employment. A majority wish to enter scientific or other professions, or business. Children placed with parents of the same ethnic group as themselves exhibit less depression (22%) than other refugees. Follow-up information exists for 106 emancipated refugees: 59% choose to live with ethnic friends; 55% report having relatives in the US. 56% are in college; 80% have jobs. Both emancipated and those still in care have ethnic and American friendships, thus moving in 2 cultural worlds. Special issues discussed include links between refugees and their resettlement areas, depression, foster home adjustment (or placement mobility), and placement options.
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Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-0021452978&partnerID=40&md5=fcdc66601f212f31aec89a0101bd81cf
ISSN: 00263583
Original Language: English