Why is the project important?

Attachment is the neurological basis for emotional and intellectual development for life. It is also linked to health and well being at all stages of development. Although, the attachment relationship is universal, the way in which it is expressed by mothers3, families4, and children varies in different parts of the world. There is an increasing number and diversity of immigrants and refugees coming to Canada from countries where attachment practices may or may not differ from those which are dominant in Canadian health and social service milieus. An awareness of similarities and openness to differences provides the dominant culture with the opportunity to learn from cross-cultural best practices in order to improve overall programming and service delivery. Understanding the beliefs and values on which different practices are based, enables the provision of support to immigrant and refugee families for their effective attachment practices. In addition, support can help to minimize the negative impact of migration and resettlement, particularly for families of young children.