Modernizing the Settlement ProgramFall 2008
Yves Saint-GermainDirector – Information, Language & Community Program Policy Integration Branch
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Outline
1. Context: rationale for modernization 2. Overview of modernized approach3. Revised program logic model4. New terms & conditions5. Future policy development
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Context
• Static level of funding for a number of years; however beginning in 2006, an increased investment of $1.4 billion over 5 years
• Program evolution despite diminishing real budgets
• Changing make-up of newcomer cohorts
• Introduction of Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA)
• More of the same not going to meet needs of newcomers
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Context• Consultations and diagnostic work suggested numerous
avenues for change
Coordination among multiplicity of actors– Concern that insufficient coordination among settlement services and stakeholders
could be a cause of weakened settlement outcomes
Program responsiveness to newcomer needs– Recognition that settlement needs evolve over time– Concern that traditional program architecture limited ability to respond to settlement
needs in a holistic way
Program uptake and reach– Recognition of relatively low program uptake despite apparent need – Concern that availability of services, as well as program outreach and promotion, were
insufficient to maximize uptake and reach
Enhanced focus on outcomes-oriented programming – Recognition that program outputs, rather than their outcomes, received primary
consideration– Concern that traditional performance measurement structure limited ability to
meaningfully assess, evaluate and report on effectiveness of settlement programming
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Overview of the modernized approach
• Moving beyond the individual program approach (LINC, ISAP, Host)
• A different view of the basic elements of an effective settlement program
• Some starting assumptions:
Overcoming barriers
Settlement program architecture built on key principles
Outcomes orientation: focus on achieving results in real terms
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Renewed Logic Model
• Renewed logic model allowed us to articulate a new way of thinking about the settlement program
• Model allows CIC to better:
articulate the essential components of an effective settlement program describe the logical relationship between generic activities and their
intended outcomes focus attention on settlement outcomes rather than on individual
program objectives
• This outcomes-based approach makes traditional programs secondary, recognizing that in future similar settlement outcomes could be achieved by different programming structures
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One Settlement Program - Six Themes• Settlement services regrouped under a single program authority
with six component themes:
Information and Orientation Language and Skills Development Labour Market Participation Community Connections Needs Assessments and Referrals Support Services
• Activities previously eligible under LINC, ISAP, Host remain eligible
• SPOs will be funded to deliver settlement services under any one theme or a combination (“mix and match”) that best suits community conditions
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Service Themes
Needs Assessment and Referrals
Support Services
• Initial and on-going needs assessments (including language assessments)
• Referrals to CIC-funded and community settlement services
Enabling services:– Childminding– Transportation
assistance– Provisions for
disabilities
Other support services:
– POE reception services
– Translation– Interpretation– Settlement/ crisis
counselling
Information & Orientation
Labour Market Participation
• Information products
• Orientation sessions
• Promotion and outreach
• Labour market bridging
• Job search skills training
• Labour market information
• Workplace orientation
Language/ Skills
Development
• Language training
• Other skills/ life-skills training
Community Connections
• Individual and community-level bridging, e.g.:
– Host/ mentor matches
– Volunteers engaged trained and supported
• Cultural awareness, anti-racism, and welcoming communities services
Program Components
CIC Settlement Programming Logic Model
Immediate Outcomes
Policy Development, Program Design and Management
Policy and Program Development
Settlement Services
Program Implementation and Management
Needs Assessment and Referrals Support Services Information &
OrientationLabour Market Participation
• Initial and on-going needs assessments (including language assessments)
• Referrals to CIC-funded and community settlement services
Enabling services:– Childminding– Transportation
assistance– Provisions for
disabilities
Other support services:
– POE reception services
– Translation– Interpretation– Settlement/ crisis
counselling
• Information products
• Orientation sessions
• Promotion and outreach
• Labour market bridging
• Job search skills training
• Labour market information
• Workplace orientation
CIC Strategic Outcome 3 23. Successful integration of newcomers into society and the promotion of Canadian Citizenship
UltimateOutcomes
1. Policies and programming align with departmental and government priorities
2. Program models are evidenced-based, informed by stakeholder input and address the barriers & needs of both newcomers and communities
3. Standards, tools, resources and program coordination support the effective delivery of services (linked to PAA)
4. Services are efficiently delivered 5. Provision of settlement services across Canada that
achieve comparable outcomes (linked to PAA)
6. Clients, service providers and CIC are aware of newcomer settlement needs
7. Referrals and personalized settlement plans are based on assessed settlement needs
Outputs
19. Newcomers find employment commensurate with their skills and experience
20. Newcomers enjoy their rights and act on their responsibilities in Canadian society
21. Canadians provide a welcoming community to facilitate the full participation of newcomers into Canadian society
22. Newcomers contribute to the economic, social and cultural development needs of Canada (in PAA)
8. Target population is aware of CIC settlement services9. Timely, useful and appropriate CIC settlement services are available in the Official Language of choice
(in accordance with the Official Languages Act and Policy) 10. Clients obtain the CIC settlement services they need to deal with settlement issues as they emerge
Language/ Skills
Development
• Language training
• Other skills/ life-skills training
11. Clients have timely, useful and accurate information needed to make informed settlement decisions (linked to PAA)
12. Clients understand life in Canada including laws, rights, responsibilities and how to access community resources
13. Clients have the official language skills needed to function in Canadian society (linked to PAA)
14. Clients have the skills/life-skills needed to function in Canadian society
15. Clients have knowledge of the Canadian work environment and are connected to local labour markets
16. Clients have the skills to find and apply for employment
17. Clients are connected to the broader community and social networks (linked to PAA)
18. Program participants are aware of newcomers’ needs and contributions and are engaged in newcomer settlement
Intermediate Outcomes
• Strategic plans• Policy, priorities,
standards and outcomes
• Performance measurement strategy and national reports
• Horizontal coordination
• PT consultations• Research analysis/
and reports• Funding allocation
• Operational plans• Program delivery materials and
tools• Functional guidance & training • Data collection and
regional/local/SPO reports• Regional, local and SPO
coordination• Service delivery capacity
building• Best practices and info sharing• Contribution agreements
Community Connections
• Individual and community-level bridging, e.g.:
– Host/ mentor matches– Volunteers engaged trained
and supported
• Cultural awareness, anti-racism, and welcoming communities services
Outputs and Desired Outcomes
Long Term Outcomes
Service Themes Planning and
Management of Settlement Services
Program Components
CIC Settlement Programming Logic Model
Immediate Outcomes
Policy Development, Program Design and Management
Policy and Program Development
Settlement Services
Program Implementation and Management
Needs Assessment and Referrals Support Services Information &
OrientationLabour Market Participation
• Initial and on-going needs assessments (including language assessments)
• Referrals to CIC-funded and community settlement services
Enabling services:– Childminding– Transportation
assistance– Provisions for
disabilities
Other support services:
– POE reception services
– Translation– Interpretation– Settlement/ crisis
counselling
• Information products
• Orientation sessions
• Promotion and outreach
• Labour market bridging
• Job search skills training
• Labour market information
• Workplace orientation
CIC Strategic Outcome 3 23. Successful integration of newcomers into society and the promotion of Canadian Citizenship
UltimateOutcomes
1. Policies and programming align with departmental and government priorities
2. Program models are evidenced-based, informed by stakeholder input and address the barriers & needs of both newcomers and communities
3. Standards, tools, resources and program coordination support the effective delivery of services (linked to PAA)
4. Services are efficiently delivered 5. Provision of settlement services across Canada that
achieve comparable outcomes (linked to PAA)
6. Clients, service providers and CIC are aware of newcomer settlement needs
7. Referrals and personalized settlement plans are based on assessed settlement needs
Outputs
19. Newcomers find employment commensurate with their skills and experience
20. Newcomers enjoy their rights and act on their responsibilities in Canadian society
21. Canadians provide a welcoming community to facilitate the full participation of newcomers into Canadian society
22. Newcomers contribute to the economic, social and cultural development needs of Canada (in PAA)
8. Target population is aware of CIC settlement services9. Timely, useful and appropriate CIC settlement services are available in the Official Language of choice
(in accordance with the Official Languages Act and Policy) 10. Clients obtain the CIC settlement services they need to deal with settlement issues as they emerge
Language/ Skills
Development
• Language training
• Other skills/ life-skills training
11. Clients have timely, useful and accurate information needed to make informed settlement decisions (linked to PAA)
12. Clients understand life in Canada including laws, rights, responsibilities and how to access community resources
13. Clients have the official language skills needed to function in Canadian society (linked to PAA)
14. Clients have the skills/life-skills needed to function in Canadian society
15. Clients have knowledge of the Canadian work environment and are connected to local labour markets
16. Clients have the skills to find and apply for employment
17. Clients are connected to the broader community and social networks (linked to PAA)
18. Program participants are aware of newcomers’ needs and contributions and are engaged in newcomer settlement
Intermediate Outcomes
• Strategic plans• Policy, priorities,
standards and outcomes
• Performance measurement strategy and national reports
• Horizontal coordination
• PT consultations• Research analysis/
and reports• Funding allocation
• Operational plans• Program delivery materials and
tools• Functional guidance & training • Data collection and
regional/local/SPO reports• Regional, local and SPO
coordination• Service delivery capacity
building• Best practices and info sharing• Contribution agreements
Community Connections
• Individual and community-level bridging, e.g.:
– Host/ mentor matches– Volunteers engaged trained
and supported
• Cultural awareness, anti-racism, and welcoming communities services
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Long-term Outcomes
Achieving these outcomes goes beyond the initial settlement experience
23. Successful integration of newcomers into society and the promotion of Canadian Citizenship
19. Newcomers find employment commensurate with their skills and experience
20. Newcomers enjoy their rights and act on their responsibilities in Canadian society
21. Canadians provide a welcoming community to facilitate the full participation of newcomers into Canadian society
22. Newcomers contribute to the economic, social and cultural development needs of Canada (in PAA)
12Primary Focus - Improving Immediate and
Intermediate Outcomes
6. Clients, service providers and CIC are aware of newcomer settlement needs
7. Referrals and personalized settlement plans are based on assessed settlement needs
8. Target population is aware of CIC settlement services
9. Timely, useful and appropriate CIC settlement services are available in the Official Language of choice (in accordance with the Official Languages Act and Policy)
10. Clients obtain the CIC settlement services they need to deal with settlement issues as they emerge
11. Clients have timely, useful and accurate information needed to make informed settlement decisions (linked to PAA)
12. Clients understand life in Canada including laws, rights, responsibilities and how to access community resources
13. Clients have the official language skills needed to function in Canadian society (linked to PAA)
14. Clients have the skills/life-skills needed to function in Canadian society
15. Clients have knowledge of the Canadian work environment and are connected to local labour markets
16. Clients have the skills to find and apply for employment
17. Clients are connected to the broader community and social networks (linked to PAA)
18. Program participants are aware of newcomers’ needs and contributions and are engaged in newcomer settlement
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Revised Settlement ProgramTerms & Conditions
Apply from May 15, 2008 to March 31, 2013.
1. Combination of Program Authorities - Combines LINC, ISAP and Host program authorities, as well as contributions to provinces with an alternate funding arrangement (AFA) under one program authority to simplify and improve service delivery and avoid duplication.
2. Eligibility - Extends eligibility to include some prospective immigrants and refugees, including some overseas, who are highly likely to obtain permanent residency but have not yet received their permanent resident visa. These include, for example, individuals who have been selected by CIC pending completion of medical, security, and criminal verification statutory requirements.
3. Capital Expenditures - Increases allowable capital expenditures to 15% of the total value of the agreement. In addition, service providers may spend more than 15% in an individual year of a multi-year agreement (up to a maximum of 50% of any year's budget), so long as total capital expenditures do not exceed 15% of the total value of the agreement.
4. Other changes - Other changes to the Ts and Cs (e.g. elimination of co-funding requirements under the ELT program) are minor and permit standardization of eligible costs and clients across themes.
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Advantages for SPOs
• Modernized approach means SPOs can spend more time and energy where they are needed most - serving newcomers
• Allows SPOs to tailor services to suit their newcomers’ needs
• Opportunity to streamline administration of contribution agreements
• Ensures continuity as services provided under LINC, ISAP, and Host remain eligible
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Policy Development
Some directions being explored in a number of areas:
Language learning Skills training
Information and orientation Labour market participationCommunity connectionsNeeds assessment and referral
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Information and Orientation
Integrated Settlement Information Framework (ISIF)
• Analysis underway to determine the critical information needs of newcomers, the primary sources of information and key barriers to access.
• CIC currently elaborating strategic objectives relating to the provision of settlement related information, align existing activities in support of these and where appropriate, and propose new initiatives.
• Implementing this plan will contribute to the improved reach and impact of settlement information, the enhanced effectiveness of print, web and in-person delivery channels, and increased uptake of settlement services.
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Information and Orientation
Overseas programming
• CIC currently developing overseas elements to clarify and coordinate the objectives, target and delivery of overseas information and orientation
• These elements seek to align CIC’s overseas activities within the settlement programming continuum, and coalesces around the questions: what is the place and role of efforts overseas, and how should they link to domestic settlement policies and programs?
• Comprehensive overseas programming (information and orientation) serves to better coordinate the offering of general information and orientation and more specialized or targeted information (e.g. on the labour market) for all clienteles and ensure messages and information are complementary.
• A coordinated approach to overseas settlement and information provision is needed in order ensure CIC meets its objectives (provision of timely, useful and accurate information to make informed decisions; awareness of services; program uptake; knowledge and awareness of referral services, etc.).
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Community Connections• Current programs focused on fostering active and meaningful connections within
and between communities include Host, the Welcoming Communities Initiative (WCI), and programming for Francophone minority communities.
• CIC has recently undertaken regional workshops and research to better understand the role of engagement in settlement, and is in the process of establishing guiding principles and strategies for action in support of social engagement.
• Future programming to foster social engagement could include:
– Expansions to existing programs, such as enhanced promotion of the Host program, new matching formats, such as conversation circles in Host and LINC programs, and additional training and information resources for volunteers.
– Supporting social engagement spaces through expansion of settlement programming with a place-based approach, such as settlement workers in schools or in libraries, and encouraging collocation of services in public community spaces, such as in a community centre, school or information centre.
– Encouraging promotion of the benefits of immigration and integration within communities, including campaigns and programs to challenge myths and stereotypes and to highlight newcomer stories.
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Needs Assessment and Referral
Vision
• Needs assessment activities will identify and clarify settlement needs, goals and options, as well as support planning and accountability initiatives
• Such activities would be delivered at numerous points throughout the settlement process and through various means, leading to increased knowledge of settlement needs and appropriate referrals to settlement services
First steps• Identify the desired objectives and outcomes of needs assessment activities• Provide a policy framework that will lead to the development of needs
assessment pilots and programming• Provide analysis of existing and potential needs assessment models• Develop needs assessment pilots and programming
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Labour MarketGaps in Existing Settlement Programming: employer involvement, soft skills, programs for immigrants with lower-level language abilities, helping smaller communities attract immigrants and serving bilingual regions
Labour market access is undeniably linked to other areas of settlement services – the most direct connection is with language learning. CIC is currently exploring various areas of newcomer labour market participation:
– Coordination– Improved labour market information and career counseling– Employer Engagement– Workplace Orientation
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On the horizon
• ISAP Evaluation– Summative evaluation 2009-10– Focus on demonstrating how all of your work has led to the success of the
program• Evolving immigration trends
– Need to reflect on how we plan for changes in newcomer make-up• Program uptake
– How can we extend services deeper into newcomer communities?• Flexibility
– How can you tap into your creativity to innovate?• Linkages
– How can we ensure needs assessment activities improve planning and accountability?
CIC and SPOs will need to think collectively and strategically about how to respond to a number of upcoming issues:
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