Supporting the Mental Health of Children of Refugees and Migrants

Uplifting Young Lives Through Care, Stability, and Empowerment

children-of-refugees and migrants support

Supporting the Mental Health of Children of Migrants & Refugees

Intro / Why It Matters

Children and youth who migrate to a new country — whether as refugees, claimants, or with their families — face unique challenges. These may include separation from their home country, exposure to trauma, disrupted education, language and culture adjustment, and the stress of settlement. Research shows that while many newcomer children exhibit great resilience, they also may face elevated risks of mental-health difficulties such as anxiety, depression or trauma-related distress. McCreary Centre Society+2Kids New to Canada+2

At the same time, accessing appropriate mental-health supports can be harder for newcomer families: language barriers, differing cultural understandings of mental health, lack of knowledge of available services, and practical issues (transportation, cost, documentation) can all get in the way. Kids New to Canada+1

Our society is committed to extending support to children and youth of migrant and refugee families by:

Raising awareness of specific mental-health needs and protective factors (such as supportive family relationships, connection with community, school-engagement). Kids New to Canada+1
Highlighting culturally-informed, trauma-sensitive resources and programs available in British Columbia.
Encouraging early help-seeking (for children, youth & families) and reducing stigma around mental-health in newcomer communities.
Building partnerships and promoting a sense of inclusion, belonging and safety for children and youth arriving or settling in BC.

What We Offer

Information and sign-posting to trusted BC-based services (see list below).
Educational materials and workshops (for families, caregivers, schools) around newcomer-child mental health, resilience and belonging.
Support for community-based initiatives designed for newcomer children and youth (peer-groups, mentorship, settlement + mental-wellness).
Advocacy for system-navigation support: we help children and youth (and their caregivers) understand how to access services for mental-health, wellness, settlement and schooling in BC.

How to Use This Page

Please scroll down to the “Resources & Services” section for a list of services in British Columbia. If you are a caregiver, family member or youth and you spot a service that fits your need, contact them directly. If you’re working in a school, settlement agency or community-group and you need further help with referral or workshop support, feel free to reach out to us— we can help connect you.

Tips for Caregivers, Schools & Youth

Recognize that children may express distress in many ways: irritability, trouble sleeping, withdrawal, changes in school performance, somatic complaints (headaches, stomach aches) rather than just “sadness.” Kids New to Canada+1
Foster protective factors: stable and caring relationships (with a caregiver, mentor or teacher), connection with peers/community, opportunities for meaningful engagement (school, sports, arts/friends), culturally-sensitive supports. Kids New to Canada
Encourage open conversation about mental-health: Let children and youth know it’s okay to talk about how they’re feeling, they are not alone, and help is available.
Be aware of practical barriers: Ask about interpretation/translation, ask if the service is newcomer-friendly/culturally safe, ask for walk-in or low-cost options.
If you are a school or community organisation: Consider making culturally-safe mental-health referrals part of your newcomer-welcome process; build relationships with local settlement & mental-health providers.

Note: In an Emergency

If a child or youth is in immediate crisis (thinking of harming themselves, being unsafe, or in severe distress) call 911 (in Canada) or go to the nearest emergency department. For non-emergency but urgent help, there are 24/7 supports listed below.

Resources & Services in British Columbia

Here is a curated list of mental-health supports in BC geared toward children, youth and families from migrant/refugee backgrounds.
Note: Contact information as at date of drafting. Please check service websites for updates.

Service	Contact Details
Vancouver Association for the Survivors of Torture (VAST — Refugee Mental Health Services)	Tel: 604-588-3071 ext 2 Toll-free: 1-866-393-3133 Pathways BC Vancouver+2HealthLink BC+2
MOSAIC (Health & Counselling for newcomers/refugees)	Programs in Metro Vancouver – see website for locations: mosaicbc.org MOSAIC
Immigrant Services Society of British Columbia (ISSofBC – Mental & Emotional Wellness Resources for newcomers)	See website for details: issbc.org/tools-resources/mental-emotional-well-being/ ISSofBC
Foundry (virtual services for youth 12-24)	Call: 1-833-308-6379 (via Foundry BC) Government of British Columbia
Virtual Mental Health Supports (BC Government)	See: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-your-health/mental-health-substance-use/virtual-mental-health-supports Government of British Columbia

How to Display the List on Your Website

You might format the list as a grid or collapsible panels. For each service include: Name / Brief description / Contact-details / Link to website (optional). You may also want to highlight “Newcomer-refugee friendly & multi-lingual counselling” where relevant.

Closing

We believe every child, whatever their origin or journey, deserves the chance to feel safe, supported and connected. By extending mental-health support to children from migrant and refugee families, we strengthen not just individual well-being, but whole communities. Thank you for being a part of this journey.