ABSTRACT
Refugee children are among the most disadvantaged and vulnerable in the UK. They are a very diverse group, coming from a wide range of countries and different cultural and social backgrounds, with different experiences of war, flight to safety, and attendant difficulties. They often have experienced intense disruption and upheaval in their lives. Within the UK, research suggests that they, more than any other group of children, are likely to have experienced traumatic events that may lead to a need for psychological interventions; to have parents who are unemployed, living in temporary accommodation, and thus who are economically disadvantaged; to be targeted for bullying, often of a racist nature, and to be isolated in school; and to need support in learning English (Blackledge, 1994; FEU, 1994; Melzak and Warner, 1992; Rutter, 1994). It is estimated that there are over 63,000 refugee children (including asylum-seekers and those granted exceptional leave to remain in the country (ELR) in the UK at present (Refugee Council, unpublished research)).
