Refugee & Humanitarian Settlement Services
Integrated Humanitarian Settlement Strategy (IHSS)
The Integrated Humanitarian Services Strategy (IHSS) was first established in 2000-2001 to provide a national framework for a holistic and targeted approach to settlement services for refugee and humanitarian entrants. From the 1st October 2005, Springvale Community Aid and Advice Bureau, along with a
Consortium of partners will be the service providers for settlement services across Victoria.
The Consortium will also work with regional partners to settle entrants in regional Victoria.
Overview:
- National settlement program funded by the Department of Immigration and Multicultural
and Indigenous Affairs (DIMIA),
- Provides support and assistance to people from refugee and humanitarian backgrounds
for up to twelve months after arrival in Victoria,
- Assists new arrivals to successfully settle by providing an integrated settlement service
and linkages to appropriate government and non-government services,
- Emphasis placed on sensitivity to cultural differences,
- Contract Period: 1st October 2005 to 30th June 2010.
Fast Facts:
- In 2005/2006, the service is predicted to assist approximately 3,750 individuals, equating
to roughly 1,100 households,
- Arrivals by Nationality 2004/2005:
Sudanese
60% |
Iraqi
12% |
Liberian
5.5% |
Burmese
4.5% |
Ethiopian
4.5% |
Afghan
4% |
Iranian
3% |
Burandi
2% |
Former Yugoslavia 1.5% |
Others
3% |
Services:
- New arrivals will be met at the airport and taken directly to their accommodation.
- A case co-ordinator will assess the requirements for each entrant family encompassing housing, health, education, general settlement needs, employment support, short term torture and trauma counselling, etc. Each family group will work with one
case co-ordinator.
- Community guides with appropriate language and cultural background will support each family with orientation, local transport, etc.
- Volunteers will be appointed when required.
- A substantial out-reach program.
IHSS Consortium Partners :
SPRINGVALE COMMUNITY AID & ADVICE BUREAU: (SCAAB)
SCAAB is a non-profit community-based service organisation, with over 30 year experience in delivering services to culturally and linguistically diverse and disadvantaged community members. Sservices include the provision of information, paralegal advice, advocacy, referrals and personal support, as well as settlement services.
Responsibilities:
Case co-ordination:
Pre- and post-arrival assessment, initiation and implementation of case co-ordination plan, co-ordination of client services. |
Information & referral:
Provision of information, referraals, guidance and support, developing community networks, links to post IHSS services. |
Accommodation services:
Tenancy training. |
Advocacy and raising community awareness
Training, advice and consultancy services. |
AMES SETTLEMENT:
AMES was established in 1951 to teach English to migrants as part of a post war national program. Today, AMES is a statutory body providing adult education, employment, training and settlement services to over 49,000 clients annually from 26 locations in Victoria and NSW. AMES initiates and supports a wide range of community based projects, such as its community enterprise development program which facilitates people from refugee backgrounds to operate their own business.
Responsibilities:
Case co-ordination:
Pre- and post-arrival assessment, initiation and implementation of case co-ordination plan, co-ordination of client services. |
Information & referral:
Provision of information, referraals, guidance and support, developing community networks, links to post IHSS services. |
Accommodation services:
Tenancy training. |
Advocacy and raising community awareness
Training, advice and consultancy services. |
BROTHERHOOD OF ST LAURENCE: (BSL)
Brotherhood of St Laurence contributes its knowledge and skills in relation to the organisation, purchase, supply and installation of the package of basic household goods for entrant households. This is an area where BSL has worked for many years with disadvantaged families across Victoria. Strong social responsibility and commitment to environmental sustainability are reflected in the innovative approach BSL will bring to the delivery of this IHSS service.
Responsibilities:
Household goods formation:
Supply, delivery and installation of household goods, provision of emergency clothing, access to micro credit. |
VICTORIAN FOUNDATION FOR SURVIVORS OF TORTURE: (VFST)
VFST was incorporated in 1987 to provide services to people who were subjected to torture or trauma in their country of origin or while fleeing those countries. The organisation os non-denominational and politically neutral and is constitued as a non-profit organisation.
Responsibilities:
Assistance with recovery from trauma:
Assessment of psychological health; short term torture and trauma counselling for individuals, families and children; provision of therapeutic group for adults, shildren and adolescents; training health professionals to understand the impact of torture and refugee experience on refugees. |
REDBACK SERVICES: (RS)
Redback Services is a family owned and operated company, specialising in logistics management and reception services for refugee and humanitarian arrivals. Redback Services has significant experience working with people from refugee and humanitairan backgrounds.
Responsibilities:
On arrivaal reception and assistance:
Meet people at the airport and in transit, transport them to their accommodation, organise emergency accommodation and medical assistance as required. |
Accommodation services:
Arrange and manage initial accommodation, provide options for longer-term accommodation, arrange transfer of possessions to and from accommodation. |
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IHSS
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