Legal Issues in Work with Asylum Seekers

A chapter on legal issues in a book about addressing the health, social and welfare needs of people seeking asylum. Responses are considered within social, political, ethical and clinical frameworks drawing on research evidence and extensive professional expertise.

Herlihy, J. Ferstman, C. and Turner, S. (2003). Legal Issues in Work with Asylum Seekers. In Wilson, John P., Drozdek, B. (eds.). Broken Spirits: the Treatment of Traumatized Asylum Seekers, Refugees, War and Torture Victims. New York : Brunner Routledge Press.

This is a chapter in a book edited by John P. Wilson and Boris Drožđek, entitled Broken Spirits: the Treatment of Traumatized Asylum Seekers, Refugees, War and Torture Victims.

Our chapter outlines the legal and policy context for refugees and asylum seekers at the different stages of their journey, highlighting the important areas where the legal demands of the asylum system overlap with psychological processes in the individuals claiming protection - which need to be properly understood if justice and protection are to be achieved.