Exploring Psychosocial Needs of Asylum-Seeking Children in Canadian Temporary Shelters Through Sandtray Narratives

Objectives
With rising numbers of forcibly displaced children worldwide, high-income countries are faced with receiving more newcomer children who have faced significant trauma and adversity. Research increasingly suggests that there is a link between reception conditions and mental health outcomes. This study explores the lived experiences of recently arrived asylum-seeking children residing in temporary shelters in Canada to understand their perspectives and gain insights into the social determinants of their well-being.
Methods
As part of a larger, mixed-methods project, this study uses the sandtray method to generate data in a developmentally and culturally appropriate fashion. Each child created a symbolic sandtray scene using miniature figures, followed by a narrative interview. Visual and narrative data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis to identify patterns of symbolic expression, emotional themes, and material and relational needs. Interpretations were contextualized using interview data from parents.
Results
A total of 25 children and their parents participated in the study. Children used symbolic representations such as crocodiles, STOP signs, migrating turtles, magical animals, etc., to convey themes of danger, protection, movement, and refuge. Metaphors of displacement, isolation, and resilience emerged across trays. Expressed needs included safety, nourishing food, access to nature, space for play, and family connection. Imaginative sandtray interviews allowed children to process uncertainty through metaphor and to express unmet needs and hopes for the future.
Conclusions
Findings highlight the importance of creating shelter environments that support physical safety and emotional expression, relational continuity, and creative coping. These insights also have implications for trauma-informed pediatric psychiatry practice for displaced populations. Finally, findings are especially important to inform policy development regarding emergency shelter and services for newly arrived children: reception to promote mental health requires looking beyond basic needs, and assuring children are offered a sense of social inclusion, protection, and normalcy of daily life.