Adolescent refugees are confronted with multiple developmental, psychological, and social challenges after flight. Psychosocial interventions are therefore necessary to support adolescents during the first period after arrival in a receiving country and to avoid negative long-term consequences. Unfortunately, little is known about the types and the effects of such interventions provided during this time. This systematic review aimed to synthesize research about psychosocial interventions for refugee youth during the first year after arrival. Seven studies were identified and showed positive effects on the psychological symptoms of anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and depression, as well as on the personal development of adolescents regarding their life satisfaction, behavioral problems, hope for the future, and their social and cultural integration. Effective elements of the interventions were categorized into trauma-related elements (self-efficacy, safety, and connectedness) and elements associated with forced migration (culture, post-migration environment, and professional network). Nonetheless, the methodological quality of the included studies was heterogenous and the review showed a lack of comprehensive, long-term, and high-quality research in this field. Recommendations for future research include a greater utilization of strong research designs and translated and cross-culturally validated instruments, as well as a focus on elements specifically related to the phase of adolescence.

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This article reports on the 18-month formative evaluation of a model project aimed at preparing young adult refugees (YARs) for entry into vocational education training (VET) as an essential step toward the labor market. Qualitative methods were used to gain insight into the perspectives of YARs, program staff, and vocational instructors as well as explore program dynamics. Within a longitudinal research design, 45 qualitative semistructured interviews were conducted with 22 of 27 program participants. Additionally, program staff and vocational instructors were interviewed. Qualitative content analysis guided the analytic process. Outcome data indicated that 83.3% of program completers or 55.6% of the program participants entered a VET within the evaluation period. Triangulated qualitative data revealed relevant program processes and generated hypotheses about factors that facilitate or hinder the difficult transition for YARs. Implications for program development as well as needed structural changes are discussed.

The following comparisons reached statistical significance: the VAS score for craving at baseline was lower among retained clients at T30 (p¼0.01) and T60 (P¼0.02), and so was the OCDS compulsion score at baseline among retained clients at T30 (p¼0.04); those receiving a psychopharmacological therapy after the start-up phase showed a better retention at T30 (p¼0.01) and at T60 (p¼0.04). Conclusion: According to this preliminary analysis, alcohol-related symptom distress at baseline and lack of psychiatric medication after the intensive treatment phase are more frequently observed in early drop-out. Further analysis is necessary to identify true predictors of retention in a multivariate model.