The RAISE Model: Psychosocial Intervention in Residential Care for Refugee Unaccompanied Minors

ABSTRACT

Unaccompanied minors have been referred to as the most vulnerable among people requiring international protection. The reception of these children and young people has traditionally been carried out in a residential context. Internationally there is recognition of the need to substantiate and disseminate the practices and measures adopted in each country. The propose is to increase knowledge about the intervention with this population and to encourage the exchange of experiences between countries in order to improve the reception of unaccompanied minors. In this article we present a model of intervention limited in time, with objectives and defined activities used in residential context for unaccompanied minors. The RAISE model is based on an ecological and multilevel vision of psychosocial intervention and on five essential pillars: Protection / Security; Attachment; Identity (ies); Participation and Citizenship. This model describes objectives, activities and skills through four different phases. It serves as a structure for residential intervention, but individual intervention plans are co-constructed with the children and young people, giving priority to self-determination, expectations and individual life projects.

KEYWORDS:

• Psychosocial intervention
• unaccompanied minors
• residential care