title: Reintegration of child soldiers in Burundi: a tracer study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Substantial attention and resources are aimed at the reintegration of child soldiers, yet rigorous evaluations are rare.
  
  
  METHODS
  This tracer study was conducted among former child soldiers (N=452) and never-recruited peers (N=191) who participated in an economic support program in Burundi. Socio-economic outcome indicators were measured retrospectively for the period before receiving support (T1; 2005-06); immediately afterwards (T2; 2006-07); and at present (T3; 2010). Participants also rated present functional impairment and mental health indicators.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Participants reported improvement on all indicators, especially economic opportunity and social integration. At present no difference existed between both groups on any of the outcome indicators. Socio-economic functioning was negatively related with depression- and, health complaints and positively with intervention satisfaction.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The present study demonstrates promising reintegration trajectories of former child soldiers after participating in a support program.
authors.affiliation: Department of Research & Development, HealthNet TPO, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. mark.jordans@hntpo.org
authors.forename: Mark J D
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Jordans
authors.forename: Ivan H
authors.initials: IH
authors.lastname: Komproe
authors.forename: Wietse A
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Tol
authors.forename: Aline
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ndayisaba
authors.forename: Theodora
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Nisabwe
authors.forename: Brandon A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Kohrt
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002063:Burundi / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000196:embryology; D008889:Military Personnel / Q000523:psychology*; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D036301:Qualitative Research; D055500:Resilience, Psychological; D012917:Social Adjustment; D012923:Social Class; D055815:Young Adult