Objectives
One of the major decisions affecting unaccompanied minors’ lives after arriving in the Netherlands concerns the type of care facility that will best protect them while waiting for the outcome of their residence permit application. Several studies recognized that the best outcome for most unaccompanied minors are highly supportive environments (Nidos 2015b; Ni Raghallaigh 2013; Wade, 2011; Wade et al. 2012).
The presented study consists of two parts. The main questions on which we focus in the first part of the study are: what are the opinions of unaccompanied minors living in foster care, small living units, small living groups or campuses in the Netherlands about their daily lives, the care and support they receive and their future prospects and which type of care facility offers them the best support and guidance for their wellbeing?
The second part of the study goes deeper into foster care for unaccompanied minors. The Dutch practice is to place unaccompanied minors under 15 years of age in foster care (Kamerstukken II, 2013/2014), and more specifically in foster families that are ‘connected with or close to their own ethnic background’ (Nidos, Salar & CHBT, 2015, p. 70).
Methods
Interviews with 132 minors are both qualitatively and quantitatively analysed. Based on the transcripts from the interviews the researchers completed a questionnaire (BIC-Q) to judge the quality of the child rearing environment in the different types of care facilities.
As part of a larger study on the factors contributing to a successful placement of unaccompanied minors in foster families and the influence of matched cultures herein, a systematic review has been carried out in order to determine what we know about unaccompanied refugee minors in foster families.
Results
The results of the first part of the study indicate that minors in foster care feel most at home and are most positive about their place in Dutch society. Minors in small living units and small living groups often miss affectionate bonds, care, support and stability in their lives. Most minors in campuses often feel lonely and sad and feel they are outcasts in Dutch society. Several minors mention that campuses are unfit for them because the lack of care and support they receive. The quality of their child rearing environment is judged by the researchers as being so low that these facilities would appear to be unfit for unaccompanied minors.
The results of the systematic review are not available yet, but they will be when the EUSARF conference is held.
Conclusions
There is a growing body of findings on the relative merits of a highly supportive environment for unaccompanied minors in the host country like foster care (Ní Raghallaigh 2013; Wade 2011; Wade et al. 2012). The results of our study point out in the same direction. Compared to minors growing up in less supportive environments, minors in foster care fare best.
References
Kalverboer, M., Zijlstra, E., Os, C., Zevulun, D., Brummelaar, M., & Beltman, D. (2016). Unaccompanied minors in the Netherlands and the care facility in which they flourish best. Child & Family Social Work.
Kamerstukken II, 2013/2014, 27062, 95, p. 1-3.
Nidos, Salar, CHBT (2015). Reception and living in families: Overview of family-based reception for unaccompanied minors in the EU Member States. Utrecht: Stichting Nidos.
Ní Raghallaigh, M. (2013) Foster care and supported lodgings for separated asylum seeking young people in Ireland; the views of young people, carers and stakeholders. Dublin: Barnados and the Health Service Executive.
Wade, J. (2011) Preparation and transition planning for unaccompanied asylum-seeking and refugee young people: a review of evidence in England. Children and Youth services review, 33, 2424-2430.
Assessment and decision making in child welfare , Migration and minorities in child welfare
