A study in Alberta, Canada, explored newcomer parents' attitudes and barriers to accessing routine childhood vaccinations (RCVs). Focus group discussions with 47 participants revealed strong motivation to vaccinate their children, yet barriers included limited access to reputable information, language difficulties, lack of primary care providers, transportation challenges, and reduced vaccine appointment availability during the COVID-19…

A collaborative research study by AAISA, HABITUS Consulting Collective, and Dr. Julie Drolet from the University of Calgary aims to explore the resettlement experiences of Syrian refugees in Alberta, focusing on challenges, needs, and integration in language, labor markets, and social connections. Through surveys, interviews, and community forums, the study seeks to inform client-centered programs…

Immigrants in Canada, particularly in their initial years and within specific subgroups, face socio-economic disadvantages, impacting their children and leading to long-term effects on development and participation in Canadian life. In Calgary, the growing immigrant population increases the demand on both settlement and mainstream services, highlighting a need for targeted support for children and youth…

The 2020 evaluation report for the Cultural Brokerage Program (CCBP), covering November 2019 to October 2020, used a mixed-method approach with case reports, surveys, interviews, and observations to assess outcomes. CCBP, a collaboration between Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS) and Alberta's Ministry of Children’s Services, was established in 2014 to provide culturally responsive support for…

The 2020 evaluation report of the Family Violence (FV) Broker & Apartment 1310 program, conducted by Habitus Collective, used a mixed-method approach with interviews and data analysis to assess program outcomes. The FV Brokers support families dealing with family violence within the CCIS Cultural Brokerage Program (CCBP), providing three flexible educational sessions for both perpetrators…

Syrian refugees resettling in Alberta face integration challenges where social connections play a vital role. This study examined the social networks, support, and capital among Syrian refugees who arrived in Alberta in 2015-2016, comparing experiences across large and small communities and among different sponsorship types (GARs, PSRs, BVORs). Using surveys, forums, and interviews across five…

Research highlights a need for inclusive and tailored housing options for LGBT+ seniors in Canada. With projections showing significant growth in the senior population, including an estimated LGBT+ group of up to 780,000 Canadians, many of whom faced historic discrimination, there is concern about ongoing stigma and limited social networks. A survey of LGBT+ seniors…

Child Advocacy Centres (CACs), also called Child & Youth Advocacy Centres (CYACs) or Barnahus, offer a child-centered, trauma-informed approach to addressing abuse and violence among children and youth. The Contemporary and Innovative Practices in Child and Youth Advocacy Centre Models book provides an international perspective on CAC practices, offering insights, recommendations, and strategies for establishing,…