Humanities and Social Sciences

School of Social Sciences

Refugee Health Research Centre - Overview

The work of the Refugee Health Research Centre (RHRC) contributes to improving access to health and social services for refugee communities and informing strategies for promoting participation and social inclusion in Australian society.

Established in December 2003, the RHRC also builds public awareness and contributes to community debate about issues relating to refugee health and settlement both in Australia and globally.

The RHRC is a partnership between La Trobe University and the Victorian Foundation for Survivors of Torture (Foundation House). This innovative partnership between a university and a non-profit organisation, integrates research and education with community development and service delivery. The RHRC receives funding from both the University and Foundation House, as well as research project grants from a number of other sources.

In January 2007, the RHRC moved from the Faculty of Health Sciences to become part of the School of Social Sciences, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at La Trobe University. This move is a reflection of the broader social context associated with refugee health. The move has enabled new research collaborations with many social scientists researching complementary areas and using similar methods to the RHRC.

Foundation House is an independent, non-profit community organisation that provides services and support for adults and children who have fled persecution, torture and war-related trauma to seek safety in Australia. Established in 1987, Foundation House is recognised internationally for its model of service delivery and resources in refugee health and resettlement.

The research of the RHRC focuses on three key areas:

• Refugee young people and their families
• Refugee protection
• Health promotion and health service

The RHRC also contributes to teaching in the undergraduate and postgraduate programs at La Trobe, as well as professional development through short courses, seminars and conferences.

RHRC staff are based at the School of Social Sciences at La Trobe University in Bundoora, as well as with their colleagues at Foundation House in Brunswick. New collaborations have been developed with the Queensland Program of Assistance to Survivors of Torture and Trauma (QPASTT) in Brisbane and three staff members of RHRC were located at QPASTT during 2007.