Peer-reviewed article
Silent suffering: The hidden challenges confronting unaccompanied refugee children through the eyes of social workers
Sara Taha, Manal Fathi Anabtawi, Tamara Al Wreidat ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This qualitative study examined the challenges faced by unaccompanied refugee children in Jordan through interviews with ten social workers from the International Medical Corps. The research identified significant social, psychological, and economic hardships including family separation, mental health struggles, poverty, and school dropout. Social workers reported working primarily through case management, psychosocial support, and referral services. The findings show these children experience profound effects on their development, including anxiety, sadness, and difficulty integrating into their communities.
Key points
- Unaccompanied refugee children in Jordan face strained alternative family relationships and difficulties with social integration
- Psychological challenges include enduring loss, separation trauma, and suicidal ideation
- Economic hardships manifest in inability to meet basic needs and involvement in child labour
- School dropout is a prominent educational issue among this population
- Social workers engage primarily in case management, psychosocial support provision, and facilitating referrals
Limitations
This study presents the perspectives of social workers rather than direct accounts from the children themselves, which may filter or mediate the understanding of children's actual experiences. The small sample size of ten social workers limits generalisability beyond the specific organisations and contexts studied.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Unaccompanied refugee children are one of the most vulnerable categories within the refugee population. They face inexhaustible risks from the start of their journey until its conclusion; being exposed to various forms of violence, assault, and exploitation during the transit phase. OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed to discern the challenges faced by unaccompanied refugee children in Jordan, as perceived by social workers. Additionally, to uncover the role of the social work profession in helping these children in confronting and alleviating these challenges. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: Ten social workers working with unaccompanied refugee children in the International Medical Corps in Jordan were selected to take part in the study. METHODS: The study adopted a qualitative research approach to achieve its aims. Semi-structured interviews served as the primary method for data collection. Data analysis used inductive thematic analysis, and ethical considerations were consistently observed throughout the study process. RESULTS: The study revealed significant social challenges, including strained alternative familial relationships and difficulties in social integration. Psychological struggles were clear in enduring loss, separation, and suicidal thoughts. Economic hardships manifested in meeting basic needs and child labor. School dropouts appeared as a prominent educational issue. Social workers are primarily engaged in case management, providing psychosocial support, and easing referrals. CONCLUSIONS: Adverse living conditions profoundly affect children, affecting their psychological, physical, and social development. This leads to the emergence of deep psychological traits such as sadness, hostility, anxiety, and behavioral disintegration. Consequently, many children experience social disconnection and struggle to adapt to their environment effectively.