
The Support for Trauma-Affected Refugees (STAR) Program provides holistic health and psychosocial support services for trauma-affected refugees, and other ORR-eligible populations. Using ORR funding, public and private non-profit organizations offer services to individuals and families to support physical, social, and emotional well-being. Additionally, through STAR-funded activities, grant recipients foster the development of a network of culturally responsive providers.
ORR launched the STAR Program to support the successful resettlement of refugees and other ORR-eligible populations whose experience of trauma limits their ability to function effectively at home, school, work, or in social settings. While most resettled refugees who experience trauma before, during, and after migration rebuild their lives without visible adverse mental health effects, up to 15% may require intensive support services. Also, children who have experienced trauma are at increased risk for long-term developmental, physical, and mental health issues from their own exposures and their family members’ trauma-related experiences. To address these needs, STAR services are available for children, adolescents and adults, individually or as a family.
Services
STAR funding recipients provide eligible clients with trauma-informed, holistic, integrated, developmentally, culturally and linguistically appropriate services, including:
- Individual, family, and group therapy, including telehealth options
- Family-strengthening interventions and parenting classes
- Case management to coordinate care and connect clients to other services and community resources
- Support groups and social support network building
- Evidence-based psychosocial trauma healing activities and interventions
- Interpretation and transportation for mental health services
- Home visits conducted by community health workers
- Interventions for vulnerable individuals
Funding
Through Congressional funding to ORR and a competitive application process, 28 STAR grants have been awarded across the United States. The STAR Program began on September 30, 2024, and will be available through September 29, 2028.
Contact Information
drhprograms@acf.hhs.gov