PUBLISHED BY:
In today’s polarized climate, refugee service providers play a crucial role in supporting newcomer clients who may feel vulnerable to intensified public rhetoric around immigration and cultural integration. While election seasons often heighten this discourse, other events—such as policy changes, prominent news stories involving refugees, or global crises that drive migration—can also amplify discussions that […]
PUBLISHED BY:
In resettlement settings, as in other social service settings, agencies must be prepared to respond to client crises and other critical incidents. Both individual crises and larger threats to the agency and/or staff require immediate and effective responses to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone involved. The development of agency-wide critical incident policies and […]
PUBLISHED BY:
This resource provides essential safety tips and guidance for refugees and resettlement agencies during U.S. presidential election seasons, when public interest in these communities may increase. It covers how to handle interview or photo requests, manage harassing calls or messages, protect personal information, and enhance personal and home security. The guide also emphasizes contacting a […]
PUBLISHED BY:
This template is for managing low-risk situations such as clients reporting difficult or overwhelming emotions, a history of substance use, chronic health conditions, or other unsafe situations that are unlikely to result in significant harm to clients or communities. This safety plan template is appropriate for clients who are low risk but may still benefit […]
PUBLISHED BY:
Newcomers face unique risks and vulnerabilities due to their experiences of forced displacement, exposure to potentially traumatic experiences, and the complex stressors of resettlement. Safety planning can be a necessary or helpful intervention to maintain newcomers’ overall safety and wellness. This short guide provides an overview of safety plans and the safety planning process to […]
PUBLISHED BY:
Many parts of the U.S. are currently experiencing winter conditions including snow, ice, and extremely cold temperatures. Newcomers may not be familiar with cold weather environments or proper safety methods. This post details resources and considerations for vehicle and transportation safety in winter that service providers can share with clients. This is part two of […]
PUBLISHED BY:
Many parts of the U.S. are currently experiencing winter conditions including snow, ice, and extremely cold temperatures. Service providers should ensure that newcomer clients understand the necessary steps to prepare for extreme winter weather and have adequate resources for coping with winter storms and hazards. Many clients have never experienced cold winter environments and may […]
PUBLISHED BY:
Safety planning and emergency preparedness are crucial aspects to consider when resettling a refugee family in the United States. Refugees may face specific challenges as they adapt to a new environment, and understanding safety planning strategies can help them stay protected and confident in their new community. This resource, created by Switchboard, provides guidance and […]
PUBLISHED BY:
Refugees and newcomers are survivors of violence, persecution, and other complex situations that arise before and during resettlement. After long and dangerous migration journeys, many newcomers believe they are finally safe when they arrive in their new communities. However, life in the U.S. is not always free from peril and discrimination. Refugee and newcomer clients […]
PUBLISHED BY:
Refugees and newcomers are survivors of violence, persecution, and other complex situations that arise before and during resettlement. Refugee and newcomer clients may, at times, be exposed to sexual and gender-based violence. This blog post shares service provider resources on these topics, which can be used for adult and youth clients. For resources on protection […]
