Caritas International

Integration of recognized refugees in Belgium

Integrating Cities VI9-10 september 2013Tampere, Finland

European Refugee Fund

Target : Vulnerable refugee groups

1) Refugees recognized in closed centers2) Refugees coming through resettlement3) Other vulnerable groups :

- Single mothers- Non accompanied minors- Medical or psychological problems- No network, language knowledge,

analphabetism, etc.

Integration Cell

Target groups

6649%

4936%

2015%

Refugees recognized inclosed centers

Refugees from vulnerablegroups

Resettled refugees

Statistics period januari 2013-June 2013

Integration Cell

European Refugee Fund

Statistics period januari 2013-June 2013

Integration Cell

Country of origin

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

Pales

tine

Guin

éeSyr

ieIra

q

Chine

Eritre

a

Somali

e

Afgha

nista

n

Congo Ira

n

Camer

oon

Iran

Rwanda

Turke

y

Sri La

nka

Gam

bia

Mar

oc

Alban

ia

European Refugee Fund

Our work: Personalized assistance in the integration process

-Information about status, rights and obligations-Support for house search-Securing basic needs and administratives steps -School, language classes and training-Vulnerable groups: Referral to specialised services - Setting in local network-Information-sessions (housing, energy,waste, budget management…)- Collective activities

Integration Cell

European Refugee Fund

Integration coach: “Taylor-made” assistance

-Reference/information person-Trust person -Middle person, making links (owner, social services…)- Accompanying on the field- Orientation, “put on tracks”- Taylor-made: Adapting to each one’s needs

Integration Cell

European Refugee Fund

-Many services exist, but fragmented :- Different regions- Different types of service- = Multiple contact points and procedures

- Acces can be difficult for newcomers- Language- Administrative complexity

NEEDS (IN TERMS OF INTEGRATION)

European Refugee Fund

-Many gaps are possible

-Some people more likely to fall through the gaps:- Newcomers without network- Without language knowledge- Single mothers without network- Newcomers with low education- Psychologically vulnerable people- Handicapped people- Non accompanied minors - Complex situations

NEEDS (IN TERMS OF INTEGRATION)

European Refugee Fund

Frequent problems

- Lack of knowledge about existing services (language lessons, legal support, training…)

- Lack of understanding of rights, obligations and administrative “how to” (how to acces studies, withdrawal social help, avoid debt…).

NEEDS (IN TERMS OF INTEGRATION)

European Refugee Fund

- Global follow-up- Global vision of the newcomer and his needs,

to orient him accordingly.- Follow-up through time (2 years)- Follow-up through territory

- Setting the newcomer in a local network- To become autonomous in their

environnement

Integration Cell : Added value

European Refugee Fund

-Integration process as a whole- Considering all the conditions for integration

- Work = Daycare > language class > language practice > psychological wellbeing > livable house

- Successful integration requires all the pieces of the puzzle

- Integration coach: Make sure all the pieces are there

- Avoid pieces falling out: Information- Place back the falling pieces

Integration Cell : Added value

European Refugee Fund

- Complementarity of NGO’s and public services

Fieldwork: Global identification of needs, difficulties and risks

Observe the strength and problems for integration Proactive information and orientation to adequate

services

Integration Cell : Added value

European Refugee Fund

Caritas International« Integration Cell »

Rue de la charité 431210 Bruselas- Bélgica

Anne Dussart – Responsable Social Programs a.dussart@caritasint.be

+32 (0) 473 95 12 92

Ariane Dewandre – Coordinator Integration Cella.dewandre@caritasint.be

+32 (0) 473 96 09 93

European Refugee Fund

Case study

The role of an NGO in the integration process of a vulnerable refugee

European Refugee Fund