Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Refugee Facts
Refugees receive a loan from the Federal Government to pay for their passage to the United States. The refugee must begin to pay back the loan with monthly, interest free payments after they begin a job.
After arrival in the United States refugees that are sponsored by our agency must attend English class everyday Monday through Friday, Job Readiness classes one day a week, a week long cultural orientation, and be actively involved in the job search in order to receive their cash assistance. All adult refugees must sign a participation agreement in order to begin their cash assistance. If a client refuses to comply then the client is sanctioned from their cash assistance.
The refugee also goes through a two hour orientation with their case manager, employment counselor, and the cash assistance coordinator. During this orientation the client learns about his/her rights and responsibilities. Safety, bus routes, medical issues, and what to expect in the next few days is reviewed.
The first two weeks after arrival are very busy. Clients sign their apartment lease, apply for their Social Security cards, food stamps, and refugee Medicaid. All this is done with an interpreter. Refugee Medicaid lasts for eight months for single adults, 1 year for married clients, and up to age 19 for youth as long as the family falls below the income limit. Clients also attend a health screening appointment, usually by the second week. During this appointment clients receive immunizations, TB tests, and a general health screening. Clients are then referred to the appropriate health care providers. Refugees are not allowed into the country with active TB. If an individual has had TB and it is not active they will be allowed into the country as long as they are treated within the 1st 30 days at the local health department. The local health department receives notification of all arrivals before they arrive and works closely with the resettlement agency.
After arrival in the United States refugees that are sponsored by our agency must attend English class everyday Monday through Friday, Job Readiness classes one day a week, a week long cultural orientation, and be actively involved in the job search in order to receive their cash assistance. All adult refugees must sign a participation agreement in order to begin their cash assistance. If a client refuses to comply then the client is sanctioned from their cash assistance.
The refugee also goes through a two hour orientation with their case manager, employment counselor, and the cash assistance coordinator. During this orientation the client learns about his/her rights and responsibilities. Safety, bus routes, medical issues, and what to expect in the next few days is reviewed.
The first two weeks after arrival are very busy. Clients sign their apartment lease, apply for their Social Security cards, food stamps, and refugee Medicaid. All this is done with an interpreter. Refugee Medicaid lasts for eight months for single adults, 1 year for married clients, and up to age 19 for youth as long as the family falls below the income limit. Clients also attend a health screening appointment, usually by the second week. During this appointment clients receive immunizations, TB tests, and a general health screening. Clients are then referred to the appropriate health care providers. Refugees are not allowed into the country with active TB. If an individual has had TB and it is not active they will be allowed into the country as long as they are treated within the 1st 30 days at the local health department. The local health department receives notification of all arrivals before they arrive and works closely with the resettlement agency.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Refugee Facts
Refugees are people with a well-grounded fear of persecution or death based on their race, nationality, religion, social group, or political opinion.
A refugee applies for refugee status through the United Nation HCR. The refugee undergoes an interview process to determine if the applicant meets the UN's criteria for refugee status. If they are found to meet the criteria then they are placed on a waiting list for admission to a host country. Some refugees have been waiting in refugee camps for as long as 30 years.
Once the refugee's name comes up on the list for resettlement they must undergo more interviews, thorough back ground checks, and physicals to determine if they are suitable for resettlement.
Goals of a Resettlement Agency
At the refugee resettlement agency I work for the main goals are to assist the refugee in achieving economic self-sufficiency within the shortest time possible (usually within 8 months) and to facilitate the social integration and full participation of refugees into the local community. We achieve this through cultural and community orientation classes, English classes, case management services, employment services, health assessment and referral, and interpretation service.
Case management is very in depth and involves a family action plan, teaching life and problem solving skills, making medical appointments, home visits, school enrollment for children, enrollment of adult clients into English and Job Readiness classes, budgeting, and so much more.
Our agency depends heavily on a broad base of volunteers to help achieve these goals. Volunteers are utilized to help with English tutoring, transportation to appointments, donation pick ups, apartment set up for new arrivals, admin support, fundraising, and job coaching.
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