Resettled Refugee Families for Healing

The goal of this type I hybrid effectiveness-implementation trial is to test a family strengthening (FS) model delivered through multiple family groups (MFG) combined with a virtual peer mentoring program called TeenAge Health Consultants (Virtual TAHC) aimed at addressing emotional and behavioral problems among youth born in the U.S. to parents resettled as refugees. The specific aims of the study are: Aim 1: To systematically adapt an evidence-based family strengthening (FS) model delivered through multiple family groups (MFG) combined with a peer mentoring program (Virtual TAHC) (Goal 1). Aim 2: To assess preliminary short- and long-term impact of the combination intervention (MFG + Virtual TAHC) on behavioral emotional disorders (aggressive behavior, antisocial behaviors, anxiety, depression, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder \[PTSD\]) related to intergenerational trauma among SGRC in the trial (Goal 2). Aim 3: Utilizing mixed methods and applying the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, Sustainment (EPIS) framework, examine implementation strategies, facilitators, and barriers of the RRF4H intervention (Goal 3). Participants will receive: 1. Family strengthening intervention delivered through multiple family groups (MFG) where children and one of their biological parents will participate in 16 weekly group sessions to discuss common problems and how to address them. 2. The youth in the intervention will participate in a peer mentorship program called TeenAge Health Consultants (TAHC) consisting of 16 weekly virtual sessions where they interact with other youth to learn about important topics including how to deal with conflict, stay out of trouble, deal with stress, avoid drugs and other topics. Researchers will compare the intervention group to a control group that will receive the usual care to see if the intervention group shows improvement in symptoms compared to the usual care group.

This is a type 1hybrid effectiveness-implementation trial to test a combination intervention designed to improve intergenerational trauma-related mental health symptoms among second generation refugee children (SGRC). Guided by Social Action and Family Systems theories, and applying them to the ITT framework, the proposed combination intervention consists of: family strengthening (FS) model delivered through multiple family groups (MFG) + peer mentoring program called TeenAge Health Consultants (TAHC) adapted for delivery in virtual environment (Virtual TAHC). The proposed study, titled Resettled Refugee Families for Healing (RRF4H): A Study of Intergenerational Impact of War Trauma and Resilience, will target refugee families resettled in Omaha and Lincoln, Nebraska. Using a two-arm randomized controlled trial, the investigators plan to recruit 154 children (77 per study arm), ages 14 - 17 and at least one biological parent per youth from resettled refugee communities. The intervention will be implemented over 16 weeks, with assessments at baseline, 16 weeks, and 6 months follow-up. The intervention will have the following specific aims: (1) systematically adapt an evidence-based family strengthening (FS) model delivered through multiple family groups (MFG) combined with a peer mentoring program (Virtual TAHC) (Goal 1); (2) assess preliminary short- and long-term impact of the combination intervention (MFG + Virtual TAHC) on behavioral emotional disorders (aggressive behavior, antisocial behaviors, anxiety, depression, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder \[PTSD\]) related to intergenerational trauma among SGRC in the trial (Goal 2); and (3) utilizing mixed methods and applying the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, Sustainment (EPIS) framework, examine implementation strategies, facilitators, and barriers of the RRF4H intervention (Goal 3).