EUKN - European Urban Knowledge Network - Vocational rehabilitation for traumatised refugees

Vocational rehabilitation for traumatised refugees - Den Bosch

Introduction

From March 2001 to November 2003, the support centre for multicultural development in Noord-Brabant carried out an experiment, which focuses on career development for traumatised refugees.

Problem

How can traumatised refugees be helped such that their prospects in the employment market are improved?

Description

The aim of the experiment was the organisation and provision of career guidance to traumatised refugees and establishment of the experimental approach as a transmissible method. In this experiment, assistance is provided to facilitate the resolution of both the trauma and the unemployment situation of the client. This occurs on the basis of an unambiguous goal and methodology. Treatment and career guidance are integrated as much as possible.

Approach

The experiment took place in a number of phases.

In the initial phase of the experiment the recruitment qualification is used.
In the diagnostic phase, various activities are undertaken in order to arrive at an action plan.
The programme or action plan serves as a connecting thread for the activities in the subsequent period.
In the event of going on to work, a distinction is made between additional and conventional work.
The phase leading to training entails schooling that leads to certification.
In the following phase, a combination of schooling and work is used, i.e. participation in dual routes.
Participation in social outreach work is part of the social participation phase.
In the dropout phase, it is indicated for what reason and to what extent dropout of clients has taken place.

Results

Forty-seven individuals took part during the trial period. After a year and a half, as of 1 October 2002, there were:

No more individuals in the recruitment phase, the caseload of the careers guidance counsellor in question could not be further expanded in connection with the available full-time equivalents.
5 individuals in the preparation phase for the drawing up of an action plan/programme.
16 individuals in the phase of the realisation of the action plan/ programme. This concerns participation in schooling, dual-route programmes and volunteer work.
10 individuals went on to regular work.
2 individuals went on to additional work.
1 person started a business.
5 individuals went on to a combination of work and schooling.

Contact info

Palet Foundation (Support Centre for Multicultural Development in Noord-Brabant)
I. Mataw, tel. +31 73 6154737

Project start date

01/03/2001

Links

Palet Foundation (in Dutch)

Document type

case

Themes

Urban Policy > Economy knowledge & employment > Urban economy

Keywords

Employment