Some school-based programs helped recently arrived immigrant youth

What the study found: Some school-based programs for recently arrived immigrant adolescents had effects on their intended outcomes, but only about half of the reviewed programs showed any such effects.
Why the authors say this matters: The study suggests that school-based programs may help promote social-emotional well-being, reduce mental health problems, strengthen resilience and social support, or address trauma-related symptoms in recently arrived immigrant youth.
What the researchers tested: The authors conducted a scoping review following PRISMA-ScR guidelines and systematically searched five databases for studies published since 2000. They included interventions implemented in formal school settings for recently arrived adolescents and identified 15 studies evaluating 17 programs.
What worked and what didn't: Most programs aimed to promote social-emotional well-being, mitigate mental health problems, strengthen resilience and social support, or address trauma-related symptoms. Around 50% of the reviewed programs had some effects on the intended outcomes, while the rest did not show such effects in the abstracted summary.
What to keep in mind: The authors note that the current literature has several limitations, which restricts the ability to draw robust conclusions. They also say future research should examine why, how, and for whom programs do or do not work, and develop programs that can be implemented using available school resources.

Key points

• The review included 15 studies evaluating 17 school-based programs.
• About half of the reviewed programs had some effects on intended outcomes.
• Programs commonly targeted social-emotional well-being, mental health, resilience, social support, and trauma-related symptoms.
• The authors say the current literature has several limitations.
• Future research should examine why, how, and for whom these programs work.