Repatriation and Reintegration of Children Returning From Conflict Zones to Tunisia: Experiences, Promising Practices, Challenges and Recommendations

ABSTRACT Repatriating children from conflict zones to Tunisia presents unique challenges. This study documents the steps in repatriation and reintegration for children, identifies effective practices and obstacles and provides recommendations for social services providers. The research included families and children ( N = 20, aged 13+) returning to Tunisia, with insights from child protection professionals through semi‐structured interviews. Findings show that children receiving adequate support reintegrate quickly. Effective practices include access to temporary care, family connections and education. Challenges include speeding up repatriation, providing legal documents, improving medical services and enhancing coordination among institutions. The importance of long‐term follow‐up by child protection professionals is emphasized. Children who receive proper support, especially maintaining ties with their mothers, exhibit resilience. Overall, the study highlights the need for comprehensive support systems and coordinated efforts for the successful reintegration of repatriated children, offering insights for policy improvements.