Evaluation of Sphere Standards

InterAction asked the Program on Forced Migration and Health to evaluate the Sphere Project. Undertaken in partnership with Makerere University in Uganda and Angola, this worldwide evaluation resulted in NGO-endorsed recommendations on how to better ensure these humanitarian standards are implemented consistently in the years to come.

Faculty: Ronald Waldman

Mozambique Child Soldier Life Outcome Study

This study investigates the adult outcomes of former child soldiers in Mozambique, paying particular attention to their psychosocial and social functioning. It represents the culmination of fifteen years of collaborative work aimed at producing a unique longitudinal study of individuals who, as children, participated in organized violence.

Faculty: Neil Boothby

Assessment and Evaluation of Psychosocial Programming for Crisis-Affected Children

The Program on Forced Migration and Health completed a project for UNICEF on behalf of the Psychosocial Working Group entitled, "Assessment and Evaluation of Psychosocial Programming for Crisis-Affected Children: a Good Practice Initiative." The paper reviews existing psychosocial assessment and evaluation practices currently used by UN agencies, NGOs and researchers working with crisis-affected children. Based on the findings, the final document analyzes UNICEF's potential leadership niche in psychosocial programming and makes recommendations regarding best practice for psychosocial assessment, design and evaluation practices.

Faculty: Neil Boothby, Alastair Ager

Psychosocial Working Group (PWG)

The Program on Forced Migration and Health is a member of the Psychosocial Working Group (PWG), which was established in 2000 to bring together academic institutions and humanitarian agencies committed to the development of knowledge and best practices in the field of psychosocial interventions in complex emergencies. In 2005, the PWG completed a five year grant from the Andrew Mellon Foundation. Products from the first phase include a framework for conceptualizing psychosocial interventions, a series of applied field studies, guidance notes on programming and evaluation, a review and CD compilation of training materials, and a website documenting key 'grey literature' resources. Moving forward, the ten partners will continue to be active together in relevant initiatives based on the mandate and expertise of each. The PWG is, in particular, exploring opportunities to facilitate practitioner networks and the development of relevant training curricula. Columbia University is developing a proposal for joint training initiatives and has undertaken a project for UNICEF that involves a critical review of existing psychosocial assessment and evaluation practices currently used by UN agencies, NGOs and researchers working with crisis-affected children. Alastair Ager is the current PWG Chair.

Faculty: Neil Boothby, Alastair Ager

Rapid Response to Tsunami & Hurricane Katrina Victims

Program faculty and students were frontline responders in the immediate aftermath of the tsunami and Hurricane Katrina. In Aceh, Indonesia, faculty arrived days after the tidal wave ravaged the coastal province to serve as senior advisors for the World Health Organization and Save the Children. A range of health and mental health programs that were launched in the early days following the Tsunami are still operating today. In New Orleans, Program faculty and students prepared hundreds of school teachers and counselors to provide psychological support to tens of thousands of children who were suffering from the impact of the hurricane.

Faculty: Neil Boothby

Public Health in Complex Emergencies Course (PHCE)

The MSPH/FMH, World Education and the International Rescue Committee developed an innovative training program to increase the capacity of humanitarian workers to identify and response to critical health concerns in complex emergencies. Positive participants reviews led to renewed funding to continue this effort with increasing emphasis on evolving training responsibilities to institutions in developing countries, including the American University in Beirut, Lebanon, the Asia Disaster Preparedness Center in Bangkok, Thailand, and the Institute of Public Health of Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.

Situation Analysis of Child Protection in Darfur

This project undertaken on behalf of UNICEF involves a detailed assessment and analysis of the nature, context, causes and characteristics of violation of children's rights to protection against violence, exploitation, abuse and deprivation of primary care givers in Darfur. The report - structured using the UNICEF framework of the 'protective environment' - offers recommendations for humanitarian and government actors to ensure the protection rights of children in Darfur, and identifies strategic actions required of UNICEF.

Faculty: Alastair Ager, Neil Boothby