A systematic review of social service programs serving refugees.
Abstract:
Purpose: The global forced migration crisis calls for responsive, research-supported social services. This systematic review examines available research on social service programs implemented with refugees worldwide. Methods: Through accessing academic databases, reviewing article reference lists and websites, and contacting experts, we identified 1,402 sources, 68 of which met review inclusion criteria and were selected for analysis. Results: Studies were conducted primarily in high-income countries (n = 57). Programs examined were related to general adaptation (n = 13), relationships (n = 20), financial and employment support (n = 15), or a specific area such as sport or gardening (n = 20). Few studies used pre–post (n = 6) or experimental designs (n = 1), and in a majority of studies, the theory underlying the intervention was not specified (n = 41). Discussion: Additional research is needed to better understand social service programming with refugees, particularly in understudied contexts.
Citation:
Shaw, S. A., & Funk, M. (2019). A systematic review of social service programs serving refugees. Research on social work practice, 29(8), 847-862.
About This Study:
Intervention Duration: Various
Relevant ORR Program: Matching Grant, Preferred Communities, Targeted Assistance, Wilson/Fish
Study Type: Systematic review
Full Text Availability: Free
Direction of Evidence: Inconclusive or mixed impact
Population(s): Refugees
Gender(s) of Participants: All
Age(s) of Participants: Multiple Age Groups
Region(s) of Origin of Participants: Multiple Regions
Relevant Evidence Summaries:
The evidence was reviewed and included in the following summaries:
