Unattended Refugee Minors Mental Health
Each year, thousands of URMs arrive in the Netherlands, seeking a better life and safety. While their basic needs for food, shelter, and education are provided, their mental well-being often goes unaddressed. We aim to explore the mental well-being needs of URMs, through a comprehensive mapping of their journey. By analysing key stages, from arrival and waiting for status to post-status acculturation and independence, we are seeking to identify mental well-being challenges and gaps in support services. Through scientific literature reviews, direct validation from URMs, and stakeholder mapping, the project aims to provide valuable insights for improving mental well-being care and integration programs for URMs in high-income European countries.
Collaborator: People for People
Students: Laura van Dijken, Mingsheng Liu, Elise Sarton
Supervisors: Jarik Guijt, Lotte Stemerding, Lara Bridge
Cohort: 2025
Approach
We use a mixed-methods approach to gain a deeper understanding of the mental well-being needs of URMs. First, a journey map will be created, incorporating both desk research and input from URMs themselves through consultations with JongGras and other relevant organizations. A scientific literature review will focus on the mental well-being challenges faced during key stages of the URMs journey, with an emphasis on high-quality evidence from European high-income countries. This is complemented by direct feedback from URMs to validate the identified needs. Finally, stakeholders and existing programs are analysed to identify gaps in services and opportunities for improvement.
Outcomes:
Comprehensive mental well-being needs assessment for URMs, across key stages of their journey.
Evidence-based recommendations for improving mental well-being support and integration programs.
Detailed map of stakeholders and their roles, and a refined understanding of the challenges URMs face.