Trauma in the UK asylum process Summary

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Daniel Cassino | Fairleigh Dickinson University

Thsi summary focuses on the experiences of young Albanian asylum seekers in the UK, focusing on the asylum process and its mental health implications. It uncovers various types of trauma caused by the asylum system, including pre, during, and post-migration trauma. The study also highlights the cultural influence on trauma experiences. The research methodology involved direct engagement with asylum seekers, leading to the development of trauma-informed practice guidelines and recommendations for change.

Image courtesy of interviewee. July 1, 2024

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The study revealed that the asylum process significantly impacts the mental health of young people, particularly unaccompanied minors, causing substantial psychological trauma. This video trauma is linked to experiences before, during, and after migration, especially within the UK asylum system. The research specifically focused on Albanian asylum seekers and highlighted how cultural factors influence their experiences and discussions about trauma, as well as the difficulties in establishing trust with them.

Using a participatory methodology, the study identified trauma-inducing factors, such as a lack of understanding of rights, difficulties in accessing support, and the complexities of the legal system. The challenges faced by unaccompanied migrant children include delays, uncertainty, and social barriers also lead to stigma and isolation.

To address these issues, a trauma-informed practice guideline was developed with input from young asylum seekers, emphasizing the importance of trust, a humane approach, and cultural sensitivity, as well as awareness of mental health needs. Recommendations for professionals include undergoing trauma-informed training, monitoring practices, using trainers with lived experience, and transforming institutional cultures that may perpetuate hostility towards asylum seekers.

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The study discovered

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that the asylum process causes significant psychological

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trauma for young people, including those

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who are unaccompanied minors.

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Researchers found that the trauma can be attributed

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to events that occur pre-migration during migration

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and post-migration in the host country.

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The project aimed to understand which aspects

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of the UK asylum system contribute to this trauma.

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This video discusses a study on

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how trauma is experienced within the asylum process,

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particularly among Albanian asylum seekers.

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The cultural influence on how they experience

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and talk about trauma is highlighted, as well

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as the challenges of building trust with this population.

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The study used participatory methodology

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to capture the lived experience of both asylum seekers

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and practitioners focusing on factors that cause trauma,

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such as lack of knowledge about rights, access to support,

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and legal complexities within the asylum system.

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The UK asylum system causes difficulties

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for unaccompanied migrant children

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and young people due to delays, uncertainty,

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language barriers, and social cultural barriers causing

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stigma and isolation.

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A trauma-informed practice guideline was developed

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with the young people's input, emphasizing trust,

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building humane approach, promoting voice

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and agency, cultural and gender sensitivity,

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and awareness of mental health

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and trauma in asylum seekers

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to improve support for asylum seekers.

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Professionals should undergo trauma-informed training,

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monitor its implementation, use trainers

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with lived experience,

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and change the culture of institutions

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with hostile approaches.

"Understanding the Trauma of Asylum Seekers: Insights from a Study on the UK System"

00:00:00 - The study discovered that the asylum process causes significant psychological trauma for young people, including those who are unaccompanied minors. Researchers found that the trauma can be attributed to events that occur pre-migration during migration and post-migration in the host country. The project aimed to understand which aspects of the UK asylum system contribute to this trauma. This video discusses a study on how trauma is experienced within the asylum process, particularly among Albanian asylum seekers. The cultural influence on how they experience and talk about trauma is highlighted, as well as the challenges of building trust with this population.
00:00:45 - to capture the lived experience of both asylum seekers and practitioners focusing on factors that cause trauma, such as lack of knowledge about rights, access to support, and legal complexities within the asylum system. The UK asylum system causes difficulties for unaccompanied migrant children and young people due to delays, uncertainty, language barriers, and social cultural barriers causing stigma and isolation. A trauma-informed practice guideline was developed with the young people's input, emphasizing trust, building humane approach, promoting voice and agency, cultural and gender sensitivity,
00:01:39 - and trauma in asylum seekers to improve support for asylum seekers. Professionals should undergo trauma-informed training, monitor its implementation, use trainers with lived experience, and change the culture of institutions with hostile approaches.

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