Best practices in settlement services
The value of sharing experiences of success and innovation is recognized in the field of settlement services and forms the basis of best practice guidelines (CCR, 1998).
One such guideline states that practices, programs and services should:
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Be accessible to their specific target (client) populations as much as possible.
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Get clients involved in both conception and delivery stages.
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Build on, and cultivate, collaboration between their stakeholders (service provider and various third parties) during both design and implementation.
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Be accountable to their funders and target populations as well as to the general public.
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Have a measurable positive outcome for the newcomer populations targeted.
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Be transferable to other geographical and jurisdictional contexts, with the necessary adaptation resulting from the particularities of each context.
Settlement agencies can measure the outcomes of their programs and services by examining the degree to which immigrants and refugee clients are settled (Government of Canada, 2023).
View an outcomes evaluation framework for this purpose
Examples of best practices initiatives
Featured resource
The Canadian Government maintains an index of best practices in settlement services that covers newcomer orientation, language and skills, labour market access, welcoming communities, and policy and program development. These Canadian as well as international initiatives aim to promote innovative ways to help immigrants integrate into their new communities.
Best practices in settlement services
Promising practices
The Community Airport Newcomers Network (C.A.N.N.) has been facilitating the pre-settlement of immigrants arriving at the Vancouver International Airport since 1992. It offers individualized reception, orientation, information, and referrals for immigrants and offers specialized services as needed for government-assisted and privately sponsored refugees. This one-time service helps newcomers take the first steps in settling in Canada by providing them with information and referrals to other organizations.
Learn more about C.A.N.N.
The Early Years Refugee Program serves newly-arrived refugee children ages birth to five along with their caregivers in the Lower Mainland area of BC. The program aims to reduce the impact of trauma on the development of children, ease integration and provide parenting information in the Canadian context. The program also helps clients navigate the Canadian systems of health and wellness, and supports children in their preparation for success in school.
Learn more about the Early Years Refugee Program
The Gateway Project is a volunteer program that trains medical students in cross-cultural medicine by engaging them in community action. The program also focuses on improving access to health care for refugees arriving in Newfoundland. Client information from interviews is used anonymously to improve the health outcomes for new Canadians
Learn more about the Gateway Project