1. 2017 AAISA Conference Anoush Newman & Melissa Scott October 30, 2017
Acknowledge partnership with Lifeline Syria
-Where groups are at; in different stages
First I want to introduce myself (trainer with RSTP)
What is RSTP?
Anoush Newman & Melissa Scott
October 30, 2017
AAISA Conference, Calgary

2. PSR and Canada! Durable Solutions for refugees: Voluntary Repatriation
Local Integration
Resettlement in third country
Government Assisted Refugee Program
Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program, only in Canada

3. What is the Private Sponsorship of Refugees ?
The resettlement of a refugee to Canada, in which financial costs and settlement support are provided by private groups or organizations.
Sponsoring groups must provide financial support for 12 months or until the refugee becomes self-sufficient (whichever comes first).
Exception: To sponsor refugees through the BVOR program, sponsoring groups must provide financial support for 6 months.
Sponsoring groups must provide settlement support for 12 months

4. What is Settlement? Connect newcomers with a settlement agency
Reception
Welcome them at the airport!
They are no longer refugees 
Housing
Arrange for temporary accommodation
Help to find permanent accommodation
Orientation
- Who are the sponsors?
Money flow & budgeting
Groceries
Transportation
Connect newcomers with a settlement agency
Important Documents/Services
- Apply for child tax benefit
Apply for Social Insurance Number
Open bank account
Arrange for interpretation
Health Care
Apply for provincial health card
Apply for Interim Federal Health program
Find doctor, dentist, other health services
Education
Enrol adults in English/French classes
Enrol children in school
Employment
Connect with job search services
Emotional & Moral Support
- Act as an advocate

5. What is RSTP?
Program designed to support the Sponsorship Agreement Holders (SAHs) of Canada, their Constituent Groups, Groups of Five and Community Sponsors on a national level (excl. Quebec)
Funded by IRCC
Main office located in Toronto, Ontario
Team of trainers across Canada

6. What does RSTP do? Guidance and training to existing sponsoring groups
Information sessions for general public interested in PSR
Training materials and guides
Updates and information-sharing
Inquiries and problem-solving
Annual SAH Conference

7. Trainings and Information sharing

8. RSTP Website

9. RSTP in Alberta Support to sponsoring groups in Alberta
Responding to Alberta specific inquires
Collaboration with settlement agencies in Alberta
Provide workshops and training sessions
Alberta Trainers in:
Calgary and Edmonton

10. Submit application on behalf of the Sponsors
How do we do it?
We provide most updated information about sponsorship process, application forms, and requirements
Respond to inquires in person, phone calls, s
Review completed application, prior to submission, for accuracy and completion
Review Sponsors Eligibility
Review Eligibility Criterion for Refugees applying to come to Canada
Offer regularly scheduled workshops and training sessions
Network and Outreach
We don ‘t
Fill up applications Or
Submit application on behalf of the Sponsors

11. Some of the most common sessions
Introduction to Private Sponsorship
Group of Five and Community Sponsors
Post Arrival Issues
Managing Expectations
Roles and Responsibilities
Ethical Consideration
Forms Clinic
Settlement

12. Thank you! Refugee Sponsorship Training Program (RSTP) www.rstp.ca
RSTP Trainers:
Anoush Newman, Calgary (403)
Melissa Scott, Edmonton (780)