Refugee Assessment Practices and Cultural Competency Training

Over 20 million displaced persons have relocated in Asia (49%), Europe (21%), and the Americas (10%) (UNHCR, 2003). Victimized by torture, trauma, imprisonment, and human rights violations, these unwilling immigrants are burdened by extraordinary psychological, emotional, physical, and acculturative sources of distress, resulting in an international dilemma. Resettlement in host countries may necessitate mental health services, healing of core adaptation systems, and succor for housing, employment, language, and coping skills necessary for survival and psychological well-being in unfamiliar cultures.