Intergenerational relations in newly-arrived communities in Victoria: a pilot study report

This report is the result of exploratory research the Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria (ECCV) commissioned the Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation (ADI), Deakin University, to undertake. The study examines the nature of relations between parents and adolescents in newly-arrived migrant communities in Victoria as they negotiate the challenges of migration, settlement and integration. While coming of age is often a difficult period for young people and their families, this research highlights how this is compounded for newly-arrived migrant youth and their parents due to the challenges of the migration experience. The findings raise a number of policy and practice considerations for those working with these families and their communities. In particular, in detailing social, cultural and financial challenges, the findings highlight the importance of integrated policy and service provisions which understand and address the intergenerational strain placed on newly-arrived migrant families within their broader context. It also clearly recommends meaningful family and community involvement in creating and enacting policy and practice solutions. In addition to the policy and practice implications, this research provides the basis for the development of an Australian Research Council (ARC) Linkage grant to undertake a more detailed study of intergenerational issues in newly-arrived communities.&nbsp