ImmigrantLegal.ca

The Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) program is a government-funded and school-based settlement service for newcomer families to meet their immediate and ongoing settlement needs. Families who have children in the school district are connected to schools, community and government organizations and their resources. The SWIS program provides information and counselling on initial settlement, orientation to school and community services, referrals to community and government services, and Canadian social system and cultural interpretation. They can also provide (on demand) workshops on parenting in Canada, housing, Residential Tenancy Law, Employment Standards, tax clinics, Family Law and Domestic Violence. They do not provide direct services in the area of Domestic Violence, but they do provide support by referring the victim to community agencies and referring children to counselling programs. Sometimes they might accompany clients to transition houses, doctors appointments, and meetings with police.