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Policy Research Shop New Hampshire Refugee Resettlement: A Community Integration Framework Carolyn Gaut Shayn Jiang Richard D’Amato Katie Schade Jordan Wallace Support for the Policy Research Shop is provided by the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education, U.S. Department of Education. The contents of this report were developed under grant P116B100070 from the U.S. Department of Education. However, these contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the U.S. Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government. Policy Research Shop Purpose • To present a framework for understanding refugee integration in host communities • To review the academic literature on refugee resettlement and best practices from other states Policy Research Shop 3 Pillars of Framework • Cultural Sensitivity/Understanding • Promoting Self-sufficiency/Independence • Community-based Support Policy Research Shop Priority Issues • • • • • Employment Economic stability Language education Housing Healthcare Policy Research Shop Employment Challenges: Access to jobs suited to skills, credentials, and linguistic abilities Responses: – Credible body to evaluate refugee credentials upon arrival – Comprehensive job skill training – Career-specific vocational programs for refugees – Certification/recertification training – Partnership with employers to hire refugees through tax incentives, contracts, or subsidies Policy Research Shop Economic Stability Challenges: In-kind and direct cash assistance after first 90 days is expensive to sustain; some refugees may need continued support Responses: – Financial literacy courses teach important skills – Microloans that allow refugees to start their own businesses – If refugee-run business succeeds, will create a network for the entrepreneur and other refugees Policy Research Shop Language Education Challenges: Access to classes due to transportation, timing, child care, adequacy, and applicability of ESL classes Responses: – Locate on public transit lines or near job centers – Provide child care or build children into the plan – Recruit volunteers from the community to be teacher’s aids, run seminars, do technology and job training – Place refugees directly into a real job setting under supervision Policy Research Shop Housing Challenges: Lack of knowledge of US housing system, language and cultural barriers, unequal footing in housing market, level and stability of income. Responses: – Establish relationships with refugee-friendly landlords – Orientations with housing placement – Education on home financing and permanent housing Policy Research Shop Health Care Challenges: Access to care due to linguistic and cultural barriers Responses: – Interpreter services – Training for culturally specific health issues – Expanded case management services – Refugee Health Lending Library – Strong partnerships between agencies and health care providers – Electronic System for Health Assessment of Refugees Policy Research Shop Conclusion • Various responses to challenges public and private sectors • Framework of cultural sensitivity, selfsufficiency, and community-based support to guide policy and practice