Alberta Settlement And Integration Sector Survey Report 2017-2018
Abstract
This is a provincial survey from January to February 2018. The survey aimed to examine and understand the priorities, systems-level issues and areas of improvement in settlement and integration, to identify any current systems-level issues that are affecting service provider organizations (SPOs), and to highlight areas of improvement for the next fiscal year. The survey findings indicate that the main challenge affecting newcomers is access to Language Programs. When the survey asked participants what the most common barrier that affected individuals’ ability to attend language training the most, over 70% of respondents indicated Childcare Provision and Availability. The findings also show that lack of childcare provision affects newcomers’ ability to access not only education (language programs), but also employment and social activities. Service providers indicated that they experience challenges with data collection which prevents sharing data between organizations. This in turn affects the quality of service delivery. Service providers also expressed a desire for increased sector engagement meaning that they were interested in large-scale events such as summits and seminars. The survey results also indicate that AAISA’s research and policy resources are not being used to a large extent for settlement practices, policy change and funding models. AAISA is committed to increase efforts into changing this tendency and establishing more meaningful connections with the government and policy stakeholders.
Notes
Community organizations
University of Alberta
Location
Edomonton, Alberta
Integration timeline
At what point during the integration process the study was conducted?
NA
Key populations
Service providers
Gaps identified
There are three reasons why clients are put on the waiting list for receiving certain services: (1) high demand due to unavailablity of services elsewhere; (2) budget cuts; (3) and lack of referral and awareness about services.
Open-access – Yes
https://aaisa.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Alberta-Settlement-and-Integration-Sector-Survey-Report-FORMATTED-2019-08-15.pdf
Key findings
This report looks at the range of partnerships that service agencies have with AAISA. It also identifies a series of in house training and courses that are offered or are in demand by service delivery agencies. The majority of service agencies are satisfied with and interested in membership.
Key recommendations
NA