Children Associated with Armed Forces and Armed Groups: Understanding and Addressing Mental Health Needs

ObjectiveFormer children associated with armed forces and armed groups (CAAFAG) have been affected by violence and adversity and often experience challenges when reintegrating into their communities. Many former CAAFAG demonstrate pervasive mental health concerns, which disrupt functioning and impact successful reintegration. Addressing mental health needs is imperative to ensure successful reintegration. Method: This report reviews risk and protective factors of mental health outcomes and evidence-based intervention approaches for former CAAFAG. Results: The mental health needs of former CAAFAG vary depending on risk and protective factors prior to, during, and after involvement in the armed forces. Effective interventions that address mental health concerns and promote resilience apply a socioecological approach, such that interventions are implemented at the individual, family, and community levels. Further, interventions should apply a community-participatory model that prioritizes community members' and consumers' input during intervention development and implementation. This includes ensuring interventions are appropriately adapted for the context. Conclusion: Research evidence that highlights addressing risk and protective factors and the effectiveness of intervention approaches for former CAFAAG is growing; however, additional research is needed.