Integrated Humanitarian Settlement Strategy (IHSS)Each year Australia welcomes thousands of refugees and humanitarian entrants who have faced serious violations of their human rights, through its offshore Humanitarian Program.
The Integrated Humanitarian Settlement Strategy (IHSS) is funded by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship. The program assists humanitarian entrants to rebuild their lives and to become fully participating members of the Australian community. IHSS staff deliver the following services:
- On arrival reception and assistance.
Refugees are met on arrival, taken to accommodation and provided with sufficient information and assistance, including emergency assistance, to be able to function in their new environment.
- Case co-ordination, information and referrals.
Proposers are given appropriate support and entrants are assisted in developing community networks.
- Accommodation services.
Appropriate on-arrival accommodation is arranged and assistance is given to find secure, stable, affordable and appropriate longer term accommodation.
- Short-term torture and trauma counselling services.
Entrants are able to access torture and trauma counselling. Other medical services and health professionals are assisted to understand issues arising from the experience of torture and trauma.
- Volunteer co-ordination.
Volunteers are offered well-defined and meaningful roles in the delivery of the IHSS services. A Volunteer Management Framework is maintained and this incorporates the role of a Volunteer Co-ordinator.
- Advocacy and raising community awareness. Information, training sessions and consultancy services are provided to mainstream agencies. These agencies, and the local community, are assisted in their understanding of issues relating to humanitarian entrants so that support is generated for the settlement and inclusion of entrants in the community.
IHSS Program Co–ordinator:
Kerry Clough
Ph: 6332 2241
IHSS Case Coordinator:
Tony Wells
Ph: 6332 2224