Understanding Immigration Trauma and the Potential of Home Visiting Among Immigrant and Refugee Families

Year Published:

Abstract

This article examines the outcomes of implementing a trauma-informed home visiting program in a refugee/immigrant serving mental health program in Chicago, Illinois. The mental health program used the Baby TALK home visiting program model, an evidence-based relational approach to supporting pregnant mothers and families with children less than 3 years old. The authors share findings from a randomized controlled trial (RCT) examining the impact of the Baby TALK model on child and maternal outcomes among 200 refugee and immigrant participants. In addition, the authors share the story of a participant to demonstrate the ways in which home visiting programs can support developmental outcomes and mental well-being.

Citation

Relevant Evidence Summaries

The evidence was reviewed and included in the following summaries: 

What is the evidence for strengths-based and trauma-informed approaches?

Two impact and three suggestive studies indicate positive outcomes from strengths-based approaches. Five studies were identified that have examined the outcomes of strengths-based approaches with refugee clients. These studies have addressed diverse outcomes including health, mental health, social support, English proficiency, and cultural and community connections. Strengths-based approaches can take many forms and have shown…

About this study

AGE: Adults

DIRECTION OF EVIDENCE: Positive impact

FULL TEXT AVAILABILITY: Paid

HOST COUNTRY: United States

HOST COUNTRY INCOME: High

INTERVENTION DURATION: 12 months

INTERVENTION: Trauma-informed approaches

OUTCOME AREA: Mental Health

REGION OF ORIGIN OF PARTICIPANT(S): Multiple Regions

STRENGTH OF EVIDENCE: Moderate

TYPE OF STUDY: Impact evaluation

YEAR PUBLISHED: 2019

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