Kids Help Phone Chosen to Enhance Newcomer Settlement Services in Canada
From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
News Release
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) collaborates with numerous partners to provide services to newcomers, aiding their integration into Canadian communities. Through the Service Delivery Improvements funding stream, IRCC is enhancing these settlement services by allocating $1,690,940 to Kids Help Phone to deliver crucial support.
January 29, 2019—Toronto, ON—IRCC is committed to improving settlement services for newcomers through innovative partnerships. The recent funding to Kids Help Phone will focus on the mental health and wellness of young newcomers. Available 24/7, the 1-800 line will offer culturally sensitive, immediate mental health services. This service will be free, and counselors will undergo cultural competency training. Interpretation services will be provided in high-demand languages during the six-month trial period. This initiative aims to eliminate health service barriers, enhance mental health outcomes, and better meet newcomers’ needs by also referring youth to language and job training services.
The IRCC’s Service Delivery Improvement Fund dedicates over $30 million annually to refining service delivery, fostering innovation, and experimenting with new approaches to better serve newcomer clients and support their integration process.
Inspiring Words
“I’m proud that the Government of Canada is working with organizations like Kids Help Phone to provide high-quality settlement services for newcomers across the country. Finding new and better ways to help newcomers succeed in their journey benefits all Canadians, by strengthening our labour force and the economy.”
– The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
“Thanks to the Service Delivery Improvement fund, projects such as this one undertaken by Kids Help Phone will improve IRCC’s understanding of the needs of newcomer youth and support their successful integration into Canadian communities.”
– Adam Vaughan, Member of Parliament for Spadina—Fort York
Quick Facts
SDI funding is part of the Settlement Program, totaling nearly $150 million over five years. It was allocated through the 2017 Immigration Levels Plan to test innovative approaches and enhance program efficiency.
After the first Expression of Interest process for SDI in fall 2017, IRCC is now supporting over 100 projects nationwide, set to conclude by March 31, 2021.
There are seven funding streams within SDI: language acquisition, employment, youth supports, volunteer harnessing, capacity building, newcomer well-being, and research to drive innovation and user experience understanding.
Media Contacts
Contacts for media only
Mathieu Genest
Minister’s Office
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-954-1064
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-952-1650
IRCC.COMMMediaRelations-RelationsmediasCOMM.IRCC@cic.gc.ca
FAQ
What is the main goal of the Kids Help Phone project?
The project aims to improve mental health and wellness among newcomer youth by providing culturally responsive, immediate support.
How is the Service Delivery Improvement Fund utilized?
The fund is dedicated to testing new approaches for enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of services provided to newcomers.
What services will the Kids Help Phone project provide?
The project offers a 24/7 helpline with culturally competent support, interpreter services, and referrals to language and job training services.
Take the next step in supporting newcomer integration: Read our immigration guide.
