          family context Explore how the family is coping Consider the needs of children when working with families – recognising that children’s reactions depend on their age, developmental stage, gender, culture, family relationships and many other factors Be aware of family taboos, stigma (e.g. towards mental health problems, torture, rape) and the impact on the torture survivor(s) in the family Identify specific needs of the family and particular family members (e.g. health, disability, economic needs, welfare needs, social care needs, legal needs, everyday living issues) Identify resources the family has in terms of other social support networks (e.g. their own community, religious group/leader, elders, neighbours) Consider and ‘think family’ in all assessments, all interventions and in team case discussions Develop organisational systems and procedures (including in recording client information) to ensure that all stages of assessment and interventions, the family as a whole, and the family’s needs and context are kept in mind Where possible, ensure the rehabilitation service/centre has appropriately qualified professionals who can work with families, or has access to clinical supervisors who have experience working with families Consult families in developing services to best meet common needs Engage families in developing a range of support and social integration activities (e.g. outings, sports days, cultural events). Suggested reading Reichelt, S. & Sveaass, N. (1994). Therapy with refugee families: what is a “good” conversation? Family Process, 33, 247 – 262 Woodcock, J. (1995). Healing rituals with families in exile. Journal of Family Therapy, 17, 397-409. 4.4 Survivors on the move: Refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced people and migrants People flee and seek refuge in other countries or in other parts of their own countries because they are in fear of torture or have been tortured. One of the reasons why people are offered protection as UN Convention refugees is because of the legacy of torture or fear of torture if they return to the county they fled. Also, many people are tortured and ill-treated while on the move, whether as refugees, asylum seekers, the internally displaced or as migrants. Leaving behind a home, family, community and country can make a person extremely vulnerable, including to situations where torture is rife such as in immigration detention, refugee camps or other places where those migrating or seeking safe haven are detained while authorities determine their fate. When people are on the move it is very important for those providing a rehabilitation service to understand their particular circumstances and to ensure that they assess for a history of torture in the country fled or while on the move as migrants or the displaced. 35