Abstract
BACKGROUND: Substantial attention and resources are aimed at the reintegration of child soldiers, yet rigorous evaluations are rare.
METHODS: This tracer study was conducted among former child soldiers (N=452) and never-recruited peers (N=191) who participated in an economic support program in Burundi. Socio-economic outcome indicators were measured retrospectively for the period before receiving support (T1; 2005-06); immediately afterwards (T2; 2006-07); and at present (T3; 2010). Participants also rated present functional impairment and mental health indicators.
RESULTS: Participants reported improvement on all indicators, especially economic opportunity and social integration. At present no difference existed between both groups on any of the outcome indicators. Socio-economic functioning was negatively related with depression- and, health complaints and positively with intervention satisfaction.
CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrates promising reintegration trajectories of former child soldiers after participating in a support program.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | BMC Public Health |
| Volume | 12 |
| Issue number | 905 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 25 Oct 2012 |
Keywords
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Burundi
- Female
- Humans
- Job Satisfaction
- Male
- Mental Disorders
- Military Personnel
- Personal Satisfaction
- Qualitative Research
- Resilience, Psychological
- Social Adjustment
- Social Class
- Young Adult
