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Reintegration of child soldiers in Burundi: a tracer study
Mark J D Jordans1, Ivan H Komproe, Wietse A Tol
1Department of Research & Development, HealthNet TPO, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. mark.jordans@hntpo.org
Background:
Substantial attention and resources are aimed at the reintegration of child soldiers, yet rigorous evaluations are rare.
Methods:
This tracer study was conducted among former child soldiers (N=452) and never-recruited peers (N=191) who participated in an economic support program in Burundi. Socio-economic outcome indicators were measured retrospectively for the period before receiving support (T1; 2005-06); immediately afterwards (T2; 2006-07); and at present (T3; 2010). Participants also rated present functional impairment and mental health indicators.
Results:
Participants reported improvement on all indicators, especially economic opportunity and social integration. At present no difference existed between both groups on any of the outcome indicators. Socio-economic functioning was negatively related with depression- and, health complaints and positively with intervention satisfaction.
Conclusion:
The present study demonstrates promising reintegration trajectories of former child soldiers after participating in a support program.
