Adverse childhood experiences, social networks and help-seeking experiences of African-background refugee children: Towards a refugee children’s Network-Episode Model

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), which include abuse, neglect and household challenges, can have lifelong negative impacts on the health and well-being of children. Although social networks are consistently reported as an effective strategy for mitigating the effects of ACEs, little is known about refugee children’s social networks. Based on the findings from a qualitative research study with African-background refugee families and service systems in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, this article unravels the complex interplay between ACEs, the formation of social support networks and the subsequent help-seeking behaviours. The research employed a micro-ethnographic approach guided by intersectionality theory, trauma theories, and the Network Episode Model. The lead author interviewed 12 parents and 12 clinical practitioners. Transcripts were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. While several key findings were identified, this article focuses on the role of social networks in responding to ACEs. Three themes reflected the help-seeking experiences of African families affected by ACEs: the complexity of social networks, the ambivalent role of the family, and the differing role of Web-based acquaintances. There were tensions among family and service systems due to differing perceptions of what constitutes ACEs and a clash of perspectives on support responses. The findings highlight the complex and context-dependent role of social networks in help-seeking and support patterns. Refugee-background children’s social networks are influenced by their traumatic history and intersecting markers of identity such as age, gender, culture and socioeconomic status. The Refugee Children’s Network Episode Model suggested in this article can help to address the barriers to help-seeking and the support needs of refugee-background children.