Title: High prevalence of suicide ideation and refugee assistance: An investigative study among Bhutanese refugees in Worcester, Massachusetts
Author: Pun, Prayas
Date: May 2014
Description: Master’s Paper, Clark University, Department of International Development, Community and Environment
This study investigates the high incidence of suicide ideation among Bhutanese refugees located in Worcester, Massachusetts and the short comings of the resettlement system that has led refugees to this vulnerable situation. The author also examines the link between the high prevalence of suicide ideation and the assistance offered to incoming refugees by the United States Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) and its affiliates. Based on informal interviews with clients, observation and secondary data, the author finds that a lack of interagency coordination, the short duration of refugee assistance and static refugee-integration frameworks have failed to address the individual needs of refugees. The current study concludes with recommendations to update policy, legislation and programs to address these needs.
Keywords: refugees, suicide, refugee resettlement, USRAP
Cataloged by: Selina Sikder/ B. J. Perkins