Describes the mental health effects on unaccompanied adolescent asylum-seekers as a result of the type of institutional setting they were placed in for care when they entered into the country. The mental health of unaccompanied adolescents who were assigned to restricted campus institutions was compared with those in a setting that allowed more autonomy. The restricted setting had a highly structured program that emphasized repatriation to their home countries, no possibility of learning the host country language, limited options for leaving campus, and constant adult monitoring. Those adolescents in the restricted setting reported more emotional problems, especially an increase in anxiety. Girls displayed more difficulties than boys. Health care workers and policy makers should be aware of this effect and plan appropriate care settings for unaccompanied adolescent asylum-seekers. (IP)
