Referral in Alberta’s Settlement and Integration Sector
Abstract
Referral processes are central to ensuring that newcomer clients are connected with appropriate programming and service offerings to support their settlement, integration, and overall wellbeing. These processes involve referring clients from one agency to another based on their specific needs and circumstances. However, the effectiveness of referral processes in Alberta is influenced by a variety of factors, including agency capacity, confidentiality concerns, and the ad hoc nature of follow-up on referrals. This report discusses major barriers to the referral process between Albertan immigrant serving agencies, as well as recommendations for improvement.
Notes
Key recommendations:
- Foster dialogue, relationship building and connection between different immigrant serving agencies and service providers in Alberta.
- Develop informational resources such as a directory of services for all immigrant serving agencies in Alberta.
- Standardize referral tools and processes by providing templates for protocols, agreements, and forms.
Open access: Yes
Community organizations: AAISA
Future research / gaps identified: n/a
Integration timeline: not defined
Key findings:
Major challenges faced by the referral system include lack of standardized tools and processes; limited capacity of agencies to develop such tools; limited information sharing and dialogue between agencies; and, constraints based on broader structures.
Key populations: clients and service providers in immigrant serving agencies in Alberta
Location: Alberta as a whole (not otherwise specified)
