'I Want to Bring Him from the Aeroplane to Here': The Meaning of Animals to Children of Refugee or Migrant Backgrounds Resettled in Australia. (19th November 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Riggs, Damien W.; Due, Clemence; Taylor, Nik
• Is Part Of: Children & society. Volume 31:Number 3(2017:May)
• Page Start: 219
• Page End: 230
• Publication Date: 2016-11-19
• Subjects: animals -- children -- forced migration -- loss and grief -- migrants -- refugees -- resettlement -- service provision; Children -- Care and hygiene -- Periodicals; Child welfare -- Periodicals; Child welfare -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; Children -- Social conditions -- Periodicals; Child development -- Periodicals; 362.70941
• DOI: 10.1111/chso.12196
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0951-0605

Abstract

Abstract : Separation from animals with whom children have caring relationships can lead to considerable loss and grief, perhaps especially in the case of migration. This article reports on a thematic analysis of interviews undertaken with children of migrant or refugee backgrounds who had resettled in Australia. Findings suggest that children who spoke about animals framed their experiences in ways that either evoked a sense of loss with regard to animals or referred to animals as engendering a safe haven following resettlement. The article concludes by exploring potential service responses and encourages a focus on animals' needs in the context of migration.