For the parent, by the parent: Defining the characteristics of a novel program to empower parents of refugee background using the participatory approaches

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: With more than 28 million individuals of refugee or asylum-seeking background globally, the current situation has been described as one of the largest humanitarian crises of all time. Families of refugee background have complex, multigenerational mental health and developmental needs that are not accounted for in current programming frameworks. Difficulties in resettlement have been further compounded by COVID-19-related lockdowns, straining parental mental health and placing children at an increased risk for developmental or behavioural problems. Providing appropriate support services and educational resources that address the multigenerational concerns of families of refugee background will address these challenges, allowing for improved parental mental health, family cohesion, and developmental outcomes for children. OBJECTIVES: To gather data about the experiences, resources, referral pathways and barriers that impact the experience of parents of refugee background in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and to develop a novel, multi-dimensional parenting program model using Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) principles. DESIGN/METHODS: This was a qualitative community-based participatory study using a formative research framework, in accordance with COREQ guidelines. In-depth interviews (IDIs) were conducted with parents of refugee background and care providers that work closely with this population. Data were recorded, transcribed, and coded using deductive and inductive coding methods by two independent coders. A peer debriefing strategy was used to verify the coding approach and interpretation of findings in accordance with the RATS (relevancy, appropriateness, transparency and soundness) guidelines for qualitative research. RESULTS: A total of 20 IDIs were conducted (7 parents and 13 care providers). The main topics that were identified to be incorporated into the program include features of child development, how to address resettlement issues, child advocacy, and parenting in the Canadian context. Participants felt that tackling the language barriers, addressing the overlapping responsibilities of the mothers attending the sessions, providing incentives, increasing awareness of the program, and using an anti-racist and anti-oppressive approach is key to the program's success. Participants emphasized the need for trauma-informed mental health support within the program model. CONCLUSION: This study describes the key considerations for a novel parenting program for families of refugee background, by engaging them as key stakeholders in the program design process. Future iteration of this project would involve a pilot and evaluation of the program.