Trauma-focused intervention for Unaccompanied Refugee Minors in the Netherlands: A pilot study

Unaccompanied refugee minors (URMs) are at increased risk of developing mental health issues, such as symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. However, few studies have evaluated trauma-informed interventions for URMs that address these issues. The current study evaluates a culturally-sensitive trauma-informed approach for URMs. The approach includes elements from KIDNET, EMDR and CBT - frequently used treatments for treating symptoms of PTSD and depression. This pilot study concerns an evaluation of this trauma-focused intervention as offered to URMs in the Netherlands. Specifically, we explore (a) the request for help of URMs in the Netherlands referred to the trauma-informed intervention; (b) the extent to which we are able to apply the intervention as intended (i.e. program integrity) and feasibility (whether the intervention can work); and (c) the course of daily stressors, and symptoms of PTSD and/or depression for the duration of the intervention. The information that is collected during this pilot is meant to help us in refining the intervention to adequately meet the needs of URMs in the Netherlands.

We hypothesize that the intervention is feasible, and that the intervention coincides with decreases in symptoms of PTSD and/or depression.

Pre-, post-, and at every session.

The approach aims to address the specialized, individual needs of URMs and which corresponds with the daily practice of working with URMs. Based on our experience offering trauma-focused therapy to URMs, a culturally-sensitive, trauma-informed eclectic approach is offered by therapists from Centrum ‘45. Within this trauma-informed approach, cognitive behavioral oriented therapies, such as Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) are conducted.

The culturally-sensitive, trauma-informed approach is:
Short term;
Performed on the living location of the minor;
Culturally sensitive, for example by collaborating with Intercultural Mediators (ICM’s). ICM’s are men and women close to the minors in experience, and familiar with Dutch as well as the minor’s native society and culture. They aid in translating as well as in bridging the cultural gap.

The trauma-informed approach aims to:
Foster resilience;
Help understand mental health responses to experiences ;
Be trauma-informed, prevent chronic difficulties;
Create clear expectancies about mental health care in the Netherlands;