Mental Health Outcomes of Unaccompanied Refugee Minors: a Rapid Review of Recent Research

PURPOSE: To examine mental health outcomes of unaccompanied refugee minors during global policy shift. Additionally, to consider mental health service delivery and placement type for this group. METHODS: A rapid systematic search of research published since 2018 which related to mental health outcomes of unaccompanied refugee minors. Data extracted, risk of bias assessed and outcomes reviewed qualitatively. RESEARCH FINDINGS: We found 181 papers, of which 14 met inclusion criteria. This review found consistently high levels of PTSD and PTSS among URMs in various contexts. Exposure to trauma, being unaccompanied (compared to accompanied), being female and being older are associated with poor outcomes. Depression and anxiety were consistently high among URMs and associated with discrimination, limited language attainment and daily hassles. SUMMARY: High rates of mental illness and symptoms among unaccompanied refugee minors were consistent across national and settlement contexts but the quality of the evidence is variable with significant heterogeneity of assessment. We relate persistence of poor mental health outcomes with problems accessing mental health services and discuss the role of key post-migration factors influencing outcomes—in particular placement type and the use of detention centres.