Children who are refugees or torture survivors often experience many effects as a result of trauma. In addition to the organizations and resources listed elsewhere, the following specifically address issues related to youth.
Download a bibliography of youth related resources. (PDF)
RESOURCE MANUAL FOR TEACHERS
Teaching is a demanding profession regardless of what student population you work with, but working with refugee youth can present unique challenges in the classroom. From the mid 1970’s to 2001 we experienced a boom in refugee resettlement to the United States as a result of the millions of people who were displaced from their homes due to war, political violence and genocide. From Southeast Asia to the continent of Africa, from Eastern Europe to Latin America, people came to this country seeking a life free from persecution and danger – seeking a life that would offer hope to their children. During this time many school populations grew from monolingual to multilingual – homogenous to heterogeneous. Many students began school in the U.S. after years of interrupted or no formal education; and some of these students came with the burden of violent memories, loss of loved ones, fear of the unknown and even torture. This web-based resource manual was developed as one tool to help teachers of these students gain a deeper understanding of the refugee students’ experience along with practical ways of working with these students in the classroom. This is not a “how to” manual, rather it is a compilation of many downloadable articles and web links that will introduce the educator to the vast number of organizations and resources that help to enhance work with those displaced from their homes by war and violence.
Note that many materials are the work of other individuals and organizations. Materials produced by the Center for Victims of Torture are noted as well.
This web-based manual could not have been developed without the help of interns and volunteers who spent many hours researching, organizing, editing and formatting this information. Special thanks to intern Rashika Perera, and volunteers Nicole Kuehn, Robin Mercier and Susan Shaw-Forve.
Links
Amnesty International
http://www.amnesty.org
The Web site of Amnesty International, a world leader in the fight to eradicate torture, contains upwards of 10,000 human rights documents. They are involved in a campaign against the use of child soldiers. Visitors can search for articles and resources related to children’s issues.
Bridging Refugee Youth and Children’s Services
http://www.brycs.org/
Bridging Refugee Youth and Children’s Services (BRYCS) is a national clearinghouse and technical assistance program whose primary purpose is to help address the needs of refugee youth, children, and families. They offer a clearinghouse of resources including articles, search engines, and other ways to access information helpful to addressing the needs of refugee youth. They also include relevant targeted resources for professionals, researchers/policymakers, educators/parents, and program managers.
Children’s Defense Fund
http://www.childrensdefense.org/
The Children’s Defense Fund is a private non governmental organization that advocates for the needs of children. They promote prevention and education efforts, and they offer access to many links and resources related to the needs of children.
International Children's Institute
http://www.icichildren.org
The International Children’s Institute (ICI) is a humanitarian organization to help children overcome the psychological trauma they may have experienced as a result of war, migration, or displacement. They utilize community-based psychosocial programs to assist in the healing of these children. Their Web site includes a Children’s Story and Art gallery as well as access to resources for persons working with traumatized youth. The Institute is based in Montreal and Toronto, Canada.
National Child Traumatic Stress Network
http://http:www.nctsnet.org
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network is a collaboration of treatment centers from all over the US who have formed a coalition. It is a federally-funded program which helps to improve the quality, effectiveness, and availability of therapeutic services for children and adolescents who have experienced trauma. The Web site offers a resource center with information for parents & caregivers, professionals, and schools. It also offers various articles offering education and best practices related to trauma.
Save the Children
http://www.savethechildren.net/arc/
Save the Children is an international program addressing the needs of children throughout the world. They have developed a compendium of resources called Action for the Rights of Children (ARC). Assistance for direct providers of care as well as for those interested in institutional and/or programmatic support is included on the Web site. ARC offers curricula and lesson plans for working with affected youth.
The Sidran Traumatic Stress Foundation
http://www.sidran.org
The Sidran Institute is a nonprofit organization that addresses the needs of people who have experienced traumatic life events. The organization offers training possibilities, psychoeducational resources, and articles. The Sidran Resource Center also offers access to database materials related to traumatic stress in adults and children.
United Nations Children’s Fund
http://www.unicef.org
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), founded in 1946, advocates and works for the protection of children's rights, to help the young meet their basic needs and to expand their opportunities to reach their full potential. UNICEF is guided by the Convention on the Rights of the Child and strives to establish children's rights as enduring ethical principles.
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
http://www.unhcr.ch
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees was established in 1950 by the United Nations General Assembly. Its primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees worldwide. Their Web site contains information about the plight of refugees as well as country-specific information (e.g., maps, statistics).
Women’s Commission for Refugee Women and Children
http://www.womenscommission.org
The Women’s Commission for Refugee Women and Children addresses the rights of displaced women and children. They offer access to reports (including country reports) and current news.
