SUPPORT YOUNG CHILDREN AND FAMILIES AFFECTED BY REFUGEE TRAUMA
How can experiences of war, persecution, forced displacement and resettlement affect a young child’s development, relationships and sense of safety?
For infants and children under six, refugee trauma can intersect with a critical period of brain development, attachment and emotional regulation. Young children may be affected by their own experiences of adversity as well as by the impact of trauma and resettlement stress on their parents and caregivers.
Because young children often communicate distress through their behaviour, relationships, bodies and play rather than words, recognising the impact of trauma requires a developmentally informed approach.
Drawing on STARTTS’ extensive clinical experience and research, this practical workshop explores how refugee trauma can affect infants, young children and their families, and how clinicians and early childhood professionals can support recovery through safe, culturally responsive and relationship-based interventions.
WHY THIS WORKSHOP MATTERS
The early years are a crucial period for brain development, attachment, emotional regulation and the foundations of lifelong wellbeing.
For families from refugee backgrounds, these years may occur alongside significant disruption and adversity. Parents and caregivers may have experienced persecution, violence, loss, forced displacement, family separation and prolonged uncertainty, followed by the challenges of rebuilding their lives in a new country.
These experiences can affect pregnancy, parenting, family relationships and a caregiver’s capacity to provide the consistent emotional availability that young children need. Young children themselves may show the effects of trauma through difficulties with attachment, regulation, sleep, behaviour, play, learning or development.
Professionals working with young children and families have an important opportunity to strengthen safety, relationships and resilience. Understanding the intersection of refugee trauma, early childhood development, culture and family relationships can help you respond in ways that support both the child and the people who care for them.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
Understand Refugee Trauma in Early Childhood
Explore how experiences of war, persecution, organised violence, forced displacement and resettlement can affect infants, young children and their families.
Understand the Impact on the Developing Child
Examine how direct and indirect exposure to trauma may influence the developing nervous system, emotional regulation, memory, attachment, behaviour and development.
Recognise the Impact of Trauma on Parents and Caregivers
Understand how traumatic experiences and resettlement stress can affect pregnancy, parenting, emotional availability and parent–child relationships.
Strengthen Attachment and Parent–Child Relationships
Explore relationship-based approaches that support safety, connection, attachment and emotional regulation between young children and their parents or caregivers.
Engage Young Children Through Developmentally Appropriate Approaches
Develop practical strategies for working with children who may communicate their experiences through behaviour, relationships and play rather than words, including the use of play, music and movement.
Work Collaboratively with Parents and Caregivers
Learn how to support, mentor and empower parents while recognising their knowledge of their child, cultural understandings of parenting and the strengths they bring to the relationship.
Provide Trauma-Informed and Culturally Responsive Support
Integrate trauma-informed principles with cultural safety and curiosity, recognising that understandings of childhood, parenting, development, behaviour and healing vary across cultures.
Communicate Effectively Across Language and Culture
Strengthen cross-cultural engagement with families and learn practical approaches for working effectively with professional interpreters when supporting parents and young children.
Translate Understanding into Clinical and Community Practice
Apply a refugee trauma-informed lens to assessment, formulation and intervention, while balancing therapeutic structure with flexible, child-centred and relationship-based approaches.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Essential professional development for clinicians and professionals working with infants, young children and families from refugee and culturally diverse backgrounds, including:
- Psychologists and counsellors
- Social workers
- Occupational therapists and other allied health professionals
- Infant and child mental health practitioners
- Early childhood educators and professionals
- Family support and parenting workers
- Child and family caseworkers
- Community and multicultural workers
- Other professionals supporting children under six and their families
FORMAT AND INCLUSIONS
- Online and in-person delivery
- Facilitated by an experienced trauma-informed practitioner
- Includes interactive activities, real-life scenarios, and skill practice
- Receive a certificate of completion
- Receive a PDF of the workshop slides
BRING THIS WORKSHOP TO YOUR TEAM
Would your team benefit from tailored, trauma-informed training? This workshop is available as an online and in-person in-house session (in-person available in Sydney only), customised to meet the specific needs of your staff, clients, or community. Visit our Request Training page for details on pricing, availability, and how to book.
Plan ahead: Due to high demand, we recommend submitting your request at least 6–8 weeks in advance to secure your preferred date. Empower your team with the confidence, skills, and cultural sensitivity to support refugee and asylum seeker communities effectively.
CONTACT US
stts-training@health.nsw.gov.au
(02) 9646 6700 Ask for the Training Administration Officer