Evaluating the implementation of intercultural awareness training for the workforce supporting unaccompanied asylum-seeking children

Abstract In the UK, the health and social care workforce support a growing number of young people from diverse cultural backgrounds. Insufficient training that addresses the complex relational work involved in supporting unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC) is currently available. Using Normalization Process Theory, this paper examines the implementation outcomes of an intercultural awareness training for staff supporting UASC. Intercultural training was delivered to professionals from public, health, and community services. Using a mixed-methods design, thirty-five participants completed a survey after the training assessing its acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility. Three months later, twenty-five participants completed the Normalization MeAsure Development Questionnaire (NoMAD) and five attended a focus group. The training was perceived as highly acceptable, appropriate, and feasible. Participants praised its structure, delivery, and relevance. Follow-up activities revealed positive impacts on participants and young people, highlighting improved awareness and commitment to intercultural practices. However, participants faced organizational and interpersonal barriers to implementation. Brief intercultural awareness training has potential to provide the frontline workforce with skills to better support UASC. However, organizational cultural shifts are needed to foster service-wide intercultural practices. We make recommendations for the health and social care sector to facilitate the transference of intercultural principles into practice.