1. WELL-BEING ASSESSMENT
A Pilot Project

2. BACKGROUND IRCC direction was to:
Adapt the needs assessment used in the Syrian pilot conducted in the winter of 2017
Not replace existing services
Look broadly at needs
Look for red flags and gaps
Initially focus on GARS, including Brandon
Determine the best timing of the assessment

4. Well Being Assessment of Families
Conducted around 13 months after arrival in Canada
Contacts provided by RAP agencies
Two staff working on these assessments and follow up
Assessment is voluntary
Conducted through a home visit to families (2-3 hours)
Conducted in first language, using interpreters when needed
Follow-up information and referrals as needed (settlement workers, NISW’s and other service providers)
Focus is on the practical and emotional wellbeing of families
“Acute” case management when families need short term intervention

5. Well Being Assessment of Families
90 questions focus on:
Demographic Information
Basic needs: housing, financial, access to food, transportation, and day-to-day assistance
Family Health and Well-being: health, emotional wellness, parenting, pregnancy, disabilities and safety
Childcare and education
Employment
Social and Community life
Open ended opportunity to express concerns
Rating by families of their sense of attachment to the neighborhood, Manitoba and Canada; sense of welcome and inclusion; and hopefulness about the future

6. Outcomes: Challenges:
Collaboratively determining optimum timeline for assessment
Added work for RAP providers to gather and share contacts resulting in a slow start for the pilot
Without a trusting relationship with families, more personal information will typically not be shared in a one time needs assessment

7. Outcomes:
Benefits:
Increased knowledge: lots of opportunity for assessors to clarify and provide information to families.
Opening opportunities for conversations about sensitive information: By asking questions around issues such as family relationships, child welfare and emotional health, families know that resources exist and people care about these issues.
Needed referrals are made: families are able to identify what services they are lacking and appropriate referrals are made.
System gaps are identified

8. Opportunities for Improvement:
Reassessing the effectiveness of all of the assessments and adjusting for optimum timing if needed
Increased collaboration of the settlement and newcomer serving organizations working together to address family needs

9. Thank you