Refugee children are exposed to multiple risk factors as the result of war, genocide and other violent events, as well as the resettlement process itself. These set such children apart from the mainstream community and can hinder their overall adjustment and development, with high rates of post traumatic stress disorder. However, policy makers have paid relatively little attention to the needs of refugee children during initial settlement. US programmes are designed primarily for the needs of parents and other adults, and focus immediately on providing basic shelter, food and health care, and later on ensuring that at least one member of the family achieves gainful employment. Few programmes extend beyond six months, or to services dealing with issues other than employment. A child-centred programme based around the concepts of early intervention and resilience is advocated.
