Although forced migration is not new in human history it has become, in our time, one of the world's major problems. In the last few decades, armed conflict and political unrest have created vast numbers of asylum seekers, refugees and displaced persons. This has led, in turn to increasing involvement of professional care workers and agencies, both governmental and nongovernmental. While there is no doubt on the part of helping parties that care is necessary, there is considerable debate about the kind of care that is needed. This book presents a critical review of mental health care provisions for people who have had to leave their homeland, and explores the controversies surrounding this topic. Providing fresh perspectives on an age old problem, this book covers humanitarian aid and reconstruction programs as well as service provision in host countries. It is of interest to all those who provide health services, create policy, and initiate legislation for these populations.

The multidisciplinary approach, which is copiously illustrated by case material and field research, incorporates the findings of a major new survey of mental health and social care for refugees and asylum seekers among many other studies

Editor's Introduction.- From Trauma to Survival and Adaptation:.- Transforming Local and Global Discourses.- Traumatic Stress in Context.- Meeting the Mental Health Needs of Children Who Have Been Associated with Fighting Forces.- "My Whole Body is Sick ... my Life is not Good".- Mental Health Care for Refugee Children in Exile.- Getting Closer.- Kurdish Women Refugees.- Beyond The Personal Pain:.- Mental Health Services in the UK.- Mental Health and Social Care for Asylum Seekers and Refugees.