The mental health of immigrant and refugee children in Canada: A scoping review

Abstract

Introduction: First- and second-generation immigrant children under 15 years of age make up 37.5% of the total population of children in Canada. Immigrant children aged 10-19, irrespective of their immigration status, face more ethnic victimization at school and in their neighborhoods. By 2036, the number of immigrant children in Canada is predicted to increase by 49%. Method: A well-established Arksey and O’Malley’s five-stage methodological framework was applied to conduct this scoping review. This project reviewed the existing research literature on factors affecting immigrant and refugee children's mental health in Canada. Results: The mental health of immigrant and refugee children can be viewed as a combined product of personal, social, cultural, economic, and pre- and post-migratory factors. Immigrant and refugee children’s experiences of migration can be stressful and destabilizing. Service providers are not well trained and often cannot grasp the circumstances of immigrant and refugee children and families, which consequently disengages them from required treatment services and follow-up care. Conclusion: Reflection of diversity and inclusivity in mental health policies can influence actions in a primary care setting and reduce accessibility gaps and barriers that affect immigrant and refugee children in Canada. Keywords: child; Canada; immigrant; mental health; refugee