APATAP 2023 Conference

Migration has long been reported to have a myriad of challenges for the host nation and numerous stressors on arriving families which can impact their ability to settle in their adopted countries effectively. These challenges include higher unemployment rates, financial difficulties, language barriers, discrimination, family fragmentation, trauma and inter-generation discord and subsequent stoicism. Acculturation strain can also be amplified if cultural practices and beliefs, (i.e., mental health, social customs, family roles and expectations) differ markedly between the home and host countries. Over the past two decades, Australia has received a growing intake of humanitarian arrivals from African nations, some of whom have faced post-settlement challenges which has led to both increasing mental health concerns and an over involvement in the criminal justice system. Our study aims to explore the relationship between acculturation difficulties, mental illness and offending and behaviours of concern for African-Australians over the past two decades in order to better identify areas of need and develop culturally responsive service delivery.