Some psychosocial programs for children have incorporated sensitization campaigns and community outreach to address war-related mental health difficulties aiming to raise awareness and reduce stigma. In Angola, a grassroots program was piloted to restore social structures and practices in war-affected communities. The intervention involved sensitization dialogues with community groups, training seminars for community leaders to advocate for children's needs, activities promoting emotional expression in supportive group settings, and physical reconstruction of community buildings. Participating adults felt that the project strengthened the community's protective processes, but no systematic quantitative evaluation was conducted to assess its effectiveness.

Sensitization campaigns and programming interventions for communities affected by war

Mass media platforms such as radio and television have been creatively utilized to reach large audiences with messages of healing and reconciliation. For example, in post-conflict Sierra Leone, the "Talking Drum Studio" produces weekly radio broadcasts led by youth, featuring music, news stories, and other content aimed at guiding and inspiring young listeners amidst the challenges of the post-conflict environment. As the reach of social media expands in low- and middle-income countries, there will be numerous opportunities to investigate the psychosocial effects of online programming.

Mass media interventions targeting war-affected communities

Community-based rehabilitation (CBR) in war-affected communities is an intervention promoting collaboration among families, organizations, and local networks to enhance the physical and mental abilities of youth and individuals with disabilities. While CBR is a globally endorsed strategy for social inclusion, its specific adaptations and potential benefits for children and families navigating the aftermath of armed conflict require ongoing empirical evaluation.

Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) in War-Affected Communities

A type of intervention with an ecological focus on the community

Columbia University

Michigan State University

It is important to use evidence-based interventions when providing support to youth impacted by disasters and mass violence. Experts have identified five essential intervention principles that should be incorporated into immediate and midterm trauma interventions. These principles include promoting a sense of safety, calming, self- and community efficacy, connectedness, and hope.

Interventions for youth affected by war/conflict

- Individual 
- Family 
- Peer/school
- Community
- Multilevel

Socio-ecological levels of interventions for youth affected by war/conflict

Betancourt, T. S., Meyers-Ohki, S. E., Charrow, A. P., & Tol, W. A. (2013). Interventions for children affected by war: an ecological perspective on psychosocial support and mental health care. Harvard review of psychiatry, 21(2), 70–91. https://doi.org/10.1097/HRP.0b013e318283bf8f

Interventions for Children Affected by War: An Ecological Perspective on Psychosocial Support and Mental Health Care

A type of intervention with an ecological focus on peers/school.

Peer/School level interventions for youth affected by war/conflict

References for Interventions for Youth Affected by War/Conflict

A type of intervention with an ecological focus on the individual.

Individual level interventions for youth affected by war/conflict

A type of intervention with a multilevel ecological focus.

Multilevel interventions for youth affected by war/conflict

A type of intervention with an ecological focus on the Family.

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