RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE FIRST 90 DAYS

  • Spend more time during cultural orientation on the topics below:
    • Cultural norms in the U.S.
    • State more explicitly domestic violence awareness and laws, including what to expect for violating norms
    • What constitutes child abuse and how it can be reported
    • Continue to encourage the importance of parental involvement in schools; stress that parents are still in charge of their children’s schooling and that they have certain rights in school (to see grades, speak to teachers, convene meetings, etc.)
    • How to report bullying/discrimination
    • Resources available
  • If you don’t already, consider holding an orientation specifically for refugee youth on appropriate topics such as reporting abuse, the concept of bullying, consequences of bullying, reporting bullying, etc. (Note: Many youth may not be forthcoming about experiences of bullying due to embarrassment, shame and or fear)
  • Enroll youth in positive youth develop programs that build on their skills, encourage leadership and provide avenues for group support and peer connections; don’t wait for the new school year but look for summer programming and then after-school programs
  • Connect families with local ECBOs and “family mentoring” programs https://brycs.org/promising-practices/
  • Continuously provide outreach to schools about the vulnerability to bullying of this population
    • Offer school personnel cultural competency trainings on a psycho-social background of the population, critical issues of concern and recommendations.
    • Provide school personnel resources on inclusive education techniques
    • Providing school personnel and refugee parents a clear definition, process, and contact person for reporting including information on the federal civil rights laws that protect students (DOJ-Title IV/VI and ED); know difference between harassment and bullying; it is helpful to provide case examples for school personnel
    • Follow-up and monitor relationships between your clients and their schools
  • Offer individualized parental education during client visits or try to build social support by hosting groups at convenient locations and addressing a variety of topics
  • Prioritize employment and provide support to the family as they potentially navigate changing gender
    roles