Settlement

1
Settlement Integration Programs and Tools

• Fariborz Birjandian, Executive Director
• Calgary Catholic Immigration Society

2
Role of RAP Providers

• To facilitate the settlement and integration of
  refugees into our community by enabling the
  refugees to build social capital.

3
Building Integration Structures Three
Definitions

• Settlement a series of physical activities with
  short-term outcomes outcomes such as finding a
  home, familiarization with environment, access to
  basic needs, schooling employment adequate for
  survival.
• Integration a mental and emotional adaptation in
  a new environment. Integration can only happen
  where a person feels as valued as others.
• Social Capital connections among individuals
  social networks and the norms of reciprocity and
  trustworthiness that arise from them. The ability
  of the newcomer to create networks, develop
  roots, build trust, be in a position of
  influence, and contribute to society.

4
Settlement Services Continuum
5
Current Services Available to RAP Clients

• RAP Basket of Services
• Welcoming Greeting
• Temporary Accommodation
• Orientation Information
• Documentation
• Bridging to access other federally funded
  programs (i.e. HOST, ISAP)
• Link to broader community services

6
Current challenges in delivering programs

• Funding restrictions
• Inability to fully measure the outcomes and
  impact
• Client diversity
• Organizational capacity
• Various levels of community support

7
Recommendations

• All programs and services delivered should enable
  clients to enhance their social capital
• Programs, services and approaches should be
  viewed as a tool rather than an outcome
• Ongoing evaluation
• Modify services based on lessons learnt