For many asylum seeker children in Western Australia, the journey to safety is only the beginning of a long and difficult road. These children often arrive after enduring war, persecution, and sometimes torture, carrying deep psychological scars. Research shows refugee and asylum-seeking children are significantly more likely to experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression and experience poorer psychosocial health compared to their peers, with trauma compounded by grief from losing loved ones or being separated during migration. This emotional burden can manifest in sleep disturbances, behavioural challenges, and difficulty concentrating in school.
Language barriers present another major hurdle. Many children enter WA schools with little or no English proficiency, making it hard to communicate, form friendships, and keep up academically. Teachers often lack resources for tailored language support, leaving these students vulnerable to academic delays and social isolation. These challenges are frequently amplified by racism and discrimination, studies indicate refugee-background students in Australia regularly report experiences of prejudice, which erodes confidence and belonging.
Family stress adds further complexity. Visa restrictions often limit work rights for asylum seeking parents, creating financial hardship, housing insecurity, and poverty. Children may take on adult responsibilities, such as interpreting for parents or caring for siblings, which disrupts their education and childhood development. Combined with uncertainty about legal status, these pressures can severely impact mental health and resilience.
Health concerns are also significant. A WA study of children seeking asylum found that children presented with an average of six health or developmental issues at their first assessment, compared to just one at referral. Nearly 45% required hospital admission, and 36% visited emergency departments, often for preventable conditions, highlighting gaps in access to timely care. Interrupted schooling is another common issue, with many asylum-seeking children experiencing breaks in education during their migration journey, which affects literacy, numeracy, and long-term opportunities.
Another critical issue is the experience of children who have spent time in immigration detention before arriving in WA. The same WA study reported that 97% had been detained for a median of seven months, and 89% experienced interrupted schooling during this period. Detention environments often exacerbate trauma, with children presenting multiple health and developmental concerns and requiring high rates of hospital and emergency care. These findings highlight the long-term impact of detention on physical and mental health, compounding the challenges children face even after release.
Despite these obstacles, asylum seeker children demonstrate remarkable resilience. However, without targeted support, such as trauma-informed mental health care, culturally responsive schooling, anti-racism initiatives, and accessible health services, their potential remains at risk. Addressing these challenges is not only a moral imperative but an investment in building inclusive, thriving communities across Western Australia.
Author: Phoebe Lovett, Valuing Children Initiative Child Participation Specialist
