Page 659 - Week 02 - Thursday, 21 February 2019

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The Migrant and Refugee Settlement Services (MARSS) received funding for four years to strengthen and expand current English language programs. The funding provides English for employment, English for living and a home tutor program ensuring refugees and asylum seekers living in the ACT receive the support they need to improve their English language skills.

The Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) also received funding for four years to deliver free English language classes to asylum seekers who hold an ACT Services Access Card.

The Child, Youth and Family Services Program (CYFSP) is designed to assist vulnerable children, young people and their families. The program comprises a mix of services from group programs to case management. The CYFSP does not specify the delivery of English language programs, however organisations may deliver this type of support in the course of their daily work with a child, young person and their family.

While all services funded under the CYFSP work with multicultural children, young people and their families, three organisations receive dedicated funding to target multicultural communities: Companion House; MARSS; and Multicultural Youth Services.

More specifically:

Companion House

Companion House delivers an integrated service model under the CYFSP. This service model includes therapeutic services; youth engagement and culturally and linguistically diverse engagement services.

MARSS

Through the CYFSP, MARSS is contracted to deliver the Program for After School Studies (PASS).

PASS is designed for clients from a non-English speaking background to assist them in their school, college, CIT and university studies after school hours.

Multicultural Youth Services (MYS)

MYS offers a range of programs to promote opportunities and to address the challenges of young people from diverse backgrounds living in the ACT. This model provides outreach to young people in schools and colleges, as well as a drop-in centre and holiday programs.

The MYS program funded under the CYFSP includes the Multicultural Youth Engagement Service. This service offers:

o Case management support and group programs aimed at strengthening family and social relationships, addresses inter-generational conflict and promoting engagement with mainstream services;

o Workplace Readiness Training Program; and

o Supports culturally and linguistically diverse young people in the ACT through linking them to work experience and employment opportunities. The program also incorporates workplace language and culture training relevant to specific workplaces.


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