Social Workers’ Views of Ways to Engage Communities in Refugee Resettlement

Abstract

AbstractThe refugee crisis has been keenly felt by communities as they perceive the new arrivals as threats to the community’s resources. Preparing the community for future arrivals can help, as can involving the community in the welcoming of refugees. This study explores how social workers engage communities to support refugee resettlement programs. Social workers are on the frontlines of providing services to refugees while also managing the fears and needs of the community members. A community that was once welcoming can become reactionary and xenophobic. This is a qualitative study using the content analysis of 32 social workers in four countries: the United States, Iceland, Switzerland, and Germany. Key factors influenced social workers’ facilitation of community integration among new arrivals and community members: prior experiences with displaced populations, social workers’ expectations, and strengths within the community. Social workers need training and support to include communities in resettlement services. Training and policy implications are discussed. Communities can be a partner in the resettlement process if care is given to work with the community before the arrival of new refugees.