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The article presents a qualitative study of 110 providers and administrators of refugee services from four countries: United States, Switzerland, Germany, and Iceland. Of the total participants, 28 were male and 82 were female. The sample consisted of 83 social workers who provided direct services to refugees and 27 administrators who managed the programs. The interviews occurred over a period of 3 years from January 2014 to January 2017. The participants described what they perceived to be the goals of resettlement and the successful outcomes of their work with refugees. Findings show that providers and administrators varied in what they believed to be the goals and outcomes, with three main differences emerging: (1) lessening the transition burden; (2) acquisition of language and securing self-sufficient employment; and (3) enhancing the integration of resilience within the refugee. These differences are discussed in terms of how they differ in resources required and in outcomes. The implications of these differences are addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interpreters, whether in person or via telephonic means, are used in healthcare settings to aid communication between clinicians and clients when the same language is not shared. Refugees seeking health and behavioural healthcare often have multiple needs and experiences of trauma that can complicate the provision of services. Little is known about the interpreters' experiences in providing in-person and telephonic interpreting for refugees. This qualitative study sought to understand the subjective experiences of interpreters in providing in-person and telephone interpretations to refugees in healthcare settings in the United States. Constant comparative analysis was used to analyse the transcribed, audio-taped individual, semi-structured interviews of 36 interpreters. These interviews were conducted between July 2013 and July 2014. Two themes were identified: (i) the importance for the interpreter to develop trust with the client; and (ii) working with refugees requires more attention from the interpreter. The interpreters of this study describe experiencing additional challenges in working with refugees versus other clients. Recommendations based on the findings are made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infant mortality is an indication of a country’s health. The United States has struggled to lower its infant mortality rates. Cuba, a small island with notably fewer resources, has been successful in maintaining a lower infant mortality rate than the United States. The two neighboring countries vary greatly in political systems, economies, and available resources. How can the difference in mortality rate be explained? What can the United States learn from Cuba? This article explores these differences and provides suggestions for change within the United States’ system of health care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comparative historical and contemporary approaches to social development in the United States and Cuba as facilitated by professional social workers in these two countries are described and analyzed in this article. Modern day Cuba’s focus on redistributive policies and a community-based social work practice approach to addressing critical social and economic issues are discussed in relation to policies that are said to respond to similar social and economic needs in the U.S. The very different strategic approaches to meeting these social and economic needs are also discussed. There is currently a greater emphasis on clinical social work practice with individuals, families, and groups in the United States. Access to quality health care is considered here along with the social work practice methods that are emphasized today in both countries. An analysis of past and contemporary social work intervention strategies in these societies may foretell the power of a profession to bridge cultures and social systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Each year the Ernest Hemingway Foundation and PEN New England award the PEN/Hemingway prize for the year's best first work of fiction. The ceremony takes place at the John F. Kennedy Library in Boston, home of the Hemingway Collection, and a distinguished author delivers a keynote address. Here we present the keynote address of Andre Dubus III, who spoke at the ceremony honoring 2012 PEN/Hemingway award winner Teju Cole and his novel, "Open City" (Random House, 2011). Dubus is best known as author of the novel "House of Sand and Fog," a #1 "New York Times" bestseller finalist for the National Book Award, and source for the Academy Award-nominated film. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: This study seeks to understand trans-cultural aging and stressors for aging refugees. It describes the experiences of Cambodian refugee women as they age in the United States. Method: Experiences of 16 Cambodian refugee women (ages 44–60), participants of a Cambodian community health center support group, were examined over a year. Results: Analysis revealed complex experiences of aging in the U.S. including these: (a) loss of role as respected elder, (b) fear of living separate from children, (c) feeling devalued by children, and (d) feeling self-blame for intergenerational cultural gap. The women described years of employment interrupted by the exacerbation of post-traumatic symptoms later in life preventing further employment. Discussion: An ethnographic trans-cultural perspective of the experiences of aging for Southeast Asian refugees. Aging refugees face stressors even 20–30years after resettlement. Findings show decrease in functioning as survivors of torture age. Recommendations for social service programs and providers are made. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper describes a support group for Cambodian refugee women. The members were all survivors of the Khmer Rouge from the 1970s and 80s and had current diagnoses of post traumatic stress disorder The group conststed of 16 women aged 44–60. The members describe their trans–cultural experiences of ageing within the United States. The paper also describes a therapy team approach which uses an English speaking licensed professional and a Khmer speaking paraprofessional. The strengths and challenges of this approach are discussed. Agencies that serve refugees may not have professionally trained mental health providers who are from the country of origin of their clients. This model holds promise to provide culturally sensitive treatment. However, it is a model that is in its infancy in terms of knowing what works and how to duplicate that to other agencies and populations. This paper shares some of the benefits as well as some of the drawbacks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]