Extended Case Management Services Among Resettled Refugees in the United States

Abstract

Purpose Economic self-sufficiency is the priority of U.S. refugee resettlement policy, and opportunities for economic integration are shaped by social service contexts. While reception and placement services are typically provided for 3–8 months, extended case management (ECM) involves 2 years of services. This study examines associations between economic integration outcomes—employment, income source, income, and employment satisfaction—and exposure to ECM. Method We compare 243 resettled refugees, including those resettled in Salt Lake City, Utah who received ECM and those resettled in Tucson, Arizona without ECM. Results Participants at both sites experienced increased employment and income over time. Participants in Salt Lake City initially experienced higher rates of employment, income, and employment satisfaction than those in Tucson. Employment satisfaction increased more rapidly in Salt Lake City. Being female and older age were also associated with poorer outcomes. Discussion Findings point to the benefits of ECM services in promoting economic integration.

Predictors, barriers, and facilitators to refugee women’s employment and economic inclusion: A mixed methods systematic review

“…Several demographic factors were associated with employment such as age, health perception, household size, dependent children, and education. For instance, six studies found that older age is a constraint to employment [ 8 , 30 , 32 , 41 , 57 ]. One study reported that child-bearing age and parenthood at age 30 have a significant negative impact on employment [ 35 ].…”

“…The structure and characteristics of a family also wield substantial influence on the employment status of women with a refugee background. For instance, marital status was found to be a facilitator of employment among refugee women in Sweden because marital status can provide additional social and economic support, easing integration into the job market [ 32 , 35 ]. Conversely, having a larger household size was identified as an impediment to employment [ 57 ], while having more children posed significant barriers to employment [ 41 ].…”

“…The region of origin and cultural background of refugees were significant determinants that can influence their integration into host countries and their ability to secure employment [ 33 , 35 , 41 ]. Additionally, the geographical location within the host country itself can offer varying employment opportunities to women with a refugee background, as studies conducted in Turkey [ 57 ], Australia [ 41 ], and the United States [ 30 , 32 ] found. Refugee women’s employment experiences were significantly shaped by their region of origin and cultural background.…”

“…Language proficiency was another critical issue. Proficiency in the host country’s language has been found to facilitate employment among refugee women [ 8 , 32 , 33 , 57 , 58 ]. Building a network of personal contacts, especially with locals in the host country, has also been shown to positively affect employment opportunities for refugee women [ 56 ].…”

“…The effectiveness of governmental support stands as a significant predictor for employment among women with a refugee background. Extended case management was found to facilitate employment among refugee women in the US [ 32 ]. Extended case management, spanning two years, can significantly enhance refugees’ employment prospects.…”