BRYCS recognizes that refugees have unique health needs. Although refugees’ backgrounds may vary considerably (by country of origin, level of education, use of Western health care systems, exposure to infectious diseases, and experiences of physical and psychic trauma, etc), they all share the same experience of being forced to flee their home countries. BRYCS is dedicated to improving the well-being of refugee youth and families by providing tools, resources, and support for service providers in order to better meet the needs of refugees in resettlement.
Topic Resources
Promising Practices
Promising Practices
Get new ideas, share your promising practice, and read about other refugee-serving programs across the country!
Topic Blog
Female Genital Cutting: Improving the Care of Women and Girls at Risk
“It is what my Grandmother called the three feminine sorrows: The day of circumcision, the wedding night, and the birth of a baby.” – A [...]
The Practice of Female Genital Cutting
Female genital cutting (FGC) has many names around the world. It is known as female genital mutilation (FGM), female circumcision, sunna, khatna, excision, and many [...]
Laughter and Trauma
For ten years, I served refugees at administrative and policy levels. I missed working with clients, but I feared vicarious traumatization (being negatively impacted from [...]
To Speak or Not to Speak about Past Trauma
When should we talk with a child about their past experiences with war or mass violence? Why? In my lifetime, I’ve experienced three wars with [...]
Health Insurance Options in the U.S.: With a Focus on Refugee Children
A physically and mentally healthy refugee has a greater chance of successful resettlement. This document provides basic information on the health risks associated with the [...]
The NCTSN: Raising the Standard of Care for Traumatized Children and Their Families
This month, BRYCS continues its focus on health and mental health in refugee children and their families (see last month’s Spotlight on holistic health) by [...]
Refugee Health and Wellness
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.[1] BRYCS’ Spotlight this month provides [...]