On the reconstruction of family life and ‘institutional forms of parentification': unaccompanied minors’ experiences with family reunification in Belgium and Norway

Family reunification in the context of unaccompanied minor refugees (UMs) has been an emergent phenomenon in Europe during the last decade. Knowledge about UMs’ experiences with family reunification is needed to enhance social workers’ understanding of family dynamics in reunited refugee families and how these are intertwined with the institutional context. This article is based on a reanalysis of two sets of in-depth interviews with former UMs in Norway (n = 10) and Belgium (n = 15). Drawing on the concept of ‘institutional parentification,’ the article explores the tasks and responsibilities former UMs take on for their family during the process of family reunification. Results from the study show that the reconstruction of family life is impacted by institutional regulations, rules, and social work practices. Through a complex assemblage of legal, administrative, and political issues, the youngsters are assigned to – and take up – new roles in and responsibilities for the family reintegration process. By shedding light on institutional forms of parentification, the article calls for an increased awareness of the impact of the policies that regulate family reunification and their practical consequences and redirects attention to the political role of social work with refugee families.