Group Process Term Project

8/10/2019 Group Process Term Project

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Term Project by Hannah Roslyakova-Azzeh SW3033: Prof. S. [email protected] Group Process

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Term Project

Group Process: SW3033

Professor: S. McGirl

Student: Hannah Roslyakova-Azzeh

Email: [email protected]

Due Date: December 8th, 2014


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1. Culture, Audience, and Topic

Integration into CanadianSociety: Emergency

Assistance Program for

Refugees and Immigrantsfrom the Middle East

Culture and Audience: Female and Male Adolescent, Adult, and Elderly MiddleEastern Refugees and Immigrants

Topic: Emergency aid and Settlement Program for Refugees


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2. Proposal

Rationale

i. Why develop this group.

I chose to develop Refugees from the Middle East because much of the region is

experiencing severe and relentless conflict. The refugee crisis as a result of conflicts in

Middle Eastern Nations requires an understanding and comprehension of the magnitude of

the psychological ramifications as a result of the displacement and diaspora from their

homeland. Insurgencies in areas such as Syria and Libya, sanctions in areas such as Gaza,

war in areas such as Palestine and Israel, displacement of citizens, and human rights

violations have all contributed to the distress and hardship of innocent civilians who are

caught in the middle of the situation. The ordeal has caused many of them to endure

unimaginable suffering; from emotional to physical trauma, loss of family and friends, loss

of home and possessions, fear of persecution, fear for safety, poverty, disease, and hunger.

Some of them are able to secure refugees status or asylum in countries that are safe, such as

Canada, however integrating into a foreign society after enduring such ordeals with almost

no support must be a formidably difficult and stressful experience. My family is from the

Middle East; many of them live in Israel and because of years of wars and insurrections, live

under fear and threat from erratic incursions and attacks. A few of them, like my parents,

have chosen to leave and find safety in other countries but the experience is extremely

grievous and challenging. Immigration trends have shown that there is an increase in

newcomers from the Middle East and I believe that if they have the opportunity to join a


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program that was developed to provide emergency assistance and aid and help with

integration; it will make the experience of transitioning into a new life into an easier one.

ii. Statistics, Reports, Documents

Statistical Data on Refugee and Immigration Trends

According to a Report done by The UN Refugee Agency:

(Report information retrieved from: http://www.unhcr.org/5423f9699.html)

In North America, an estimated 58,600 new asylum applications were submitted during

the first six months of 2014, an increase of 12,500 claims or 27 per cent compared to the

same period in 2013 (46,100 claims). Canada registered 5,800 new applications (+29%),

while the United States of America recorded approximately 52,800claims (+27%).

By and large, the Syrian Arab Republic remained the main country of origin of asylum

seekers in industrialized countries. Provisional data indicate that some 48,400 Syrians

requested refugee status in the first half of 2014, significantly more than during the first

half (18,900 claims) or the second half of 2013 (37,500). If current trends continue, it is

likely that the total number of Syrians requesting international protection among the

group of 44 industrialized countries will surpass the 2013 level significantly


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If the observed historical pattern of asylum applications continues, it is estimated that the

number of asylum claims that will be submitted in the 44 industrialized countries for the

whole of 2014 may reach 700,000. This would be the highest number in some 20 years.


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A Publication done by the Canadian Arab Institute show that 22.4% of refugees to Canada

originated from Arab countries.

(Report retrieved from: http://www.canadianarabinstitute.org/publications/reports/one-five-

refugees-canada-arab/ )

According to a 2012 analysis by the CAI, slightly over 36 tho usand refugees landing

between 1985 and 2012, Iraq is the largest source country of Arab refugees to Canada,

with most arriving following the outbreak of the 2003 Second Gulf War.
http://www.canadianarabinstitute.org/publications/reports/one-five-refugees-canada-arab/http://www.canadianarabinstitute.org/publications/reports/one-five-refugees-canada-arab/http://www.canadianarabinstitute.org/publications/reports/one-five-refugees-canada-arab/http://www.canadianarabinstitute.org/publications/reports/one-five-refugees-canada-arab/http://www.canadianarabinstitute.org/publications/reports/one-five-refugees-canada-arab/http://www.canadianarabinstitute.org/publications/reports/one-five-refugees-canada-arab/


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Somalia represents the second largest source country of Arab refugees, with Canada

admitting an average of 3,400 Somali refugees per year from 1991 to 1993 with the

escalation of Somalias civil war. From 1994 to 2012, Canada has admitted an average

of slightly over 1,000 Somali refugees per year.

At about 500 refugees admitt ed per year between 1985 and 2012, Canadas intake of

Sudanese asylum seekers has been low with the one exception being from 2002 to 2005,

when Canada admitted about 1,360 Sudanese refugees per year, as Sudan was nearing the

end of its decades-long civil w ar.


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More studies have shown a rising trend in Immigration to Canada from Arab Countries.


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Statistical data on Refugee Mental Health

According to a 2003 study by the Boston University School of Medicine on the mental

health of child and adolescent refugee mental health, child and adolescent refugees

suffer from significant conflict-related exposures. Reactions to stress may be mediated

by coping strategies, belief systems, and social relations.

The American Journal of Medicine has performed a study on the pre -displacement and post-displacement factors associated with mental health of refugees and internally

displaced persons and found that the socio -political context of the refugee experience is

associated with refugee mental health. Humanitarian efforts that improve these

conditions are likely to have positive impacts.

A study done by the Rehabilitation and Research Centre for Torture Victims in

Copenhagen, a sylum seeking refugee children from the Middle East have had many

experiences of war and other forms of organised violence. The children frequently

reacted with anxiety and with other symptoms of emotional instability. Prevalent anxiety

symptoms correlated both with previous living conditions and present family situation.

Living under prolonged conditions influenced by war and other forms of organised

violence (prevalence) were found to a higher degree to be risk indicators for anxiety than

were specific events or changes of life conditions (incidence).


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According to Inka Weissbecker, a mental-health adviser with the International Medical

Corps, Studies have shown as many as 20 per cent of refugees can be severely

psychologically traumatized from their experiences. Symptoms in children can include

bedwetting, aggression and regression.

Objectives

Main goals

i. To provide emergency relief to refugees and immigrants.

ii. To educate refugees/immigrants about their host country

iii. To help refugees/immigrants with the integration and settlement process

Sub-goals

i. To help refugees and immigrants feel empowered, safe, and secure

ii. To provide temporary shelter to refugees and immigrants

iii. To find affordable housing for refugees and immigrants

iv. To provide access to mental and physical health care

v. To help refugees/immigrants find employment or education programs

vi. To help provide basic needs such as food, baby formula, and amenities

vii. To provide support and guidance to refugees and immigrants

viii. To acquaint refugees/immigrants with other refugees/immigrants so that they may help

and support each other, and form new friendships


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Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely Goals (SMART)

The main objective is to help Refugees who have recently arrived in Canada by acting in

accordance with 3 specific goals. The goals are to provide emergency aid and relief, educate

refugees about their new host country, and to help refugees ease into the integration process with

as little stress as possible. The program will be established in the city of Toronto which absorbs

the highest number of new refugees to Canada, with the expectation to expand to other major

cities across Canada. More specifically, the refugees will be initiated into the program by

attending a 2 day seminar that will teach them about Canadian society, their new community

(Toronto) and its resources, and the program itself and what it has to offer. The only

requirement for members is that they be recent refugees and immigrants to Canada, the service is

free to them. Program services will be made available to members for as long as they need.

Members in the program are encouraged to interact with each other so that they can form new

support networks with people who are in a similar situation. The program hopes to provide

members with support and guidance along with feeling safe and confident in their new host

country.

Practical Considerations

i. Membership

Membership is free and open to all new refugees and immigrants coming to Toronto from

the Middle East. Because immigration from the Middle East is at a high, the program expects a

high membership rate and will attempt to accommodate all members.


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Characteristics, Population, Challenges, and Issues

Arab people are an ethnic group that originate from the Middle East, which encompasses

Western Asia and North Africa. There are a total of 22 Arab Countries and according to the

World Fact Book there are an estimated 384 million Arabs in the world today. Outside of the

Middle East, Canada is ranked 17 th out of countries with the highest amount of Arab population.

Although Islam is the dominant religion in the Middle East, many Arabs are also Christian,

Jewish, Druze, Yazidi, and Bah'. The program will respect all religions and respect the

importance of religion to their values and lives; however it is non-religious and non-political and

will remain non-partisan in these matters. Arab culture is highly collectivist compared to

Western culture, with a strong emphasis on family and community. It is famous for its cuisine,

music, architecture, art, and literature. Arabic is the main language or Arabs although there are

many different dialects which vary from region to region. Refugees and immigrants may speak

little English or have little understanding of the English language, the program and seminar will

have a translator on hand to ensure there are no language barriers.

ii. Size and Amount of Members

The program itself will have no limit on the capacity of membership; it will provide

services to anyone who requires them. Seminars will be limited to between 5 and 20 people to

avoid overcrowding, to reduce distractions, and to increase individualized member-instructor

interactions to improve understanding and learning. Seminars will take place every weekend.


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iii. Location, Reason, Accessibility, Rent, Safety, Transportation, and Layout

The program will have its own building located in the city of Toronto because Toronto

and surrounding areas have the highest amount of refugees and immigrants in Canada therefore

the program will have its greatest impact if it is located in that city, however the program hopes

to expand across Canada. The building will be handicap accessible. Rent will be covered by

government and agency funding. The building will follow all safety standards and protocols,

there will be an information desk at the entrance that will provide pamphlets and have a

receptionist who understands the Arabic language. Transportation is to be arranged by members,

the program does not include a transportation service. The building will have a large classroom

where seminars take place; the classroom will consist of a chalkboard, a television and DVD

player, desks, and a projector. There will be a room that will be designed for comfort; the room

is where crisis counselling will take place. Staff will have offices in a separate area and there

will also be a cafeteria, the cafeteria will not provide food other than vending machines. There

will be a public washroom for members and a washroom for staff. Although the program is non-

religious it understands the need for accommodation so there will be two open rooms for

members to use for prayers, one for men and one for women; the rooms will contain praying

carpets.

iv. Time Frame and Duration

The program is open to everyone and there is no time frame, however every individual

will be encouraged to develop their own goals with their own time-frames. The centre is open

Monday to Friday from 9am-6pm and anyone may drop in at any time. Saturdays and Sundays

the center will be open only for the purposes of conducting Seminars. Seminars will be held


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over two days and once a member has completed the seminar they may become a member of the

program. The Seminar will begin at 9:00 am and end at 4:00 pm; it will have a 15 minute break

at 11:00 am, there will be an hour lunch break at 1:00 pm and a final 15 minute break at 2:30 pm.

It is during seminars that members will be encouraged and guided by the instructor to create

goals and a time frame for achieving those goals.

v. Announcement of workshop, pamphlets, posters, radio announcements, newspaper

ads

Brochures/Pamphlets

Brochures will be available in both English and Arabic. Brochures will be available in

the building where the program is located; they will also be distributed to Immigration

centres around Toronto, Mosques, and Middle Eastern recreation centres, Middle Eastern

grocery stores, and Middle Eastern speciality stores.


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Outside of Pamphlet


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Radio and Newspaper Advertisements

Advertisements will be placed in local newspapers such as The Toronto Star, The

Toronto Sun, and Metro News. They will also be placed and translated into Arabic into

Toronto Arab newspapers such as Arab News and Al Ayam. Radio announcements will be

made during Arabic programing in English and Arabic on local radio stations such as CHIN

radio and Arab FM on Tune-In in Toronto.

vi. Screening

All documents will be made available in both Arabic and English to ensure full

understanding.

Confidentiality Agreement Form example:


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The INSA Seminar Confidentiality Agreement

This form MUST be signed by all members who attend Seminar sessions

You have the right to confidentiality and privacy by the group leaders and other group members.

Confidentiality within the group setting is a shared responsibility of all members and leaders.

While group leaders may not disclose any client communications or information except as

provided by law, group members communications are not protected. Confidentiality within the

group setting is often based on mutual trust and respect.

INSA adheres to professional, legal, and ethical guidelines of confidentiality in respect to

National and Provincial laws. Legal and ethical exceptions to confidentiality include: a clear or

present danger to harm yourself or another, knowledge of the abuse or neglect of another, or

responses to a court subpoena or as otherwise required by law.

As a member of this seminar, I agree to not disclose to anyone outside the group any information

that may help to identify another group member. This includes, but is not limited to, names,

physical descriptions, biological information, and specifics to the content of interactions with

other group members.

By my signature below, I indicate that I have read carefully and understand the Group

Agreements and that I agree to its terms and conditions.

Signature:. Witness..

Date: Date:.


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Screening Form Example

Group Agreements

I understand that I am required to attend both days of the Seminar.

I understand that it is my responsibility to discuss my therapeutic goals and reason(s) for

attending. Also, I understand that no one is going to force me to talk or reveal difficult material

before I am ready to do so.

I understand that any form of ph ysical contact is not permitted within the group setting.

I understand that drinks are allowed, but food may not be.

I agree that all cell phones will be turned off during group time.

I agree to be respectful and tolerant of other members and their b eliefs

I agree to be respectful of the group leader

Signature: Witness:

Date: Date:.


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vii. Group norms for this culture group

This is all a matter of personal opinion that comes from having an Arab father, having visited

Arab regions, meeting many Arabs in my life, learning about Arab culture and politics, and the

role of religion amongst Arabs. There are a few group norms in Arab culture that may present a

problem during seminars and these will be addressed in the initial stage of the seminar so that

these barriers will be broken and members will feel more equal and unhindered. Arabs are very

prideful people, especially the men. Arab culture and society is dangerously patriarchal, and

men have more rights, power, privilege, and authority than women. Islam sets very stringent and

rigid roles for both men and women, and to challenge this is precarious, especially for women.

This creates a strong disparity and dissonance between genders, establishing a social norm where

it is permissible for men to be dominant over women in almost every capacity. Although the

program is non-political, gender equality is expected and seminars will include both women and

men, with women being encouraged to participate as much as possible. The seminar will place

an emphasis on womens rights and explain that women are equal to men in Canadian Culture

however it will still respect religious and cultural norms and not challenge personal choice such

as wearing a hijab. Another group norm that would present a challenge is that because of pride

and gender roles, it is harder for Arab men to ask for help and be open about their problems; it is

important that this is addressed initially as well so that no one experiences shame. Politics and

religion are permitted to be discussed because they are far more intrinsic to Arab life, however

arguments will not be tolerated and everyone is required to show respect. The initial stage will

attempt to form group norms that will challenge barriers that may occur due to norms in Arab

culture. Group norms will also help to make the group function effectively, where members are


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encouraged to share their stories, discuss personal problems, and interact with each other for

support. There will be an emphasis on privacy during the initial stage to protect every member

of the group.

Procedures

Agenda

Day 1

Saturday 9:00am

The purpose of the first seminar meeting is to establish privacy, introduce members to each

other, establish trust and reveal fears, identify culture norms and discuss culture norms and their

differences to Eastern Culture. The instructor will either be bilingual in both Arabic and English

or there will be a translator present. The instructor will introduce himself/herself and speak

about the purpose of the seminar, the stages of the seminar, discuss the group process, establish a

timeline for the day and list topics that will be discussed throughout the day. He/she will also

inform members that breaks will be given so that they can be used for prayers if needed. He/she

will direct them to the bathroom and prayer rooms, as well as go over emergency evacuations

and exits. The instructor will go over privacy rules and policy and hand out privacy contracts for

all members to sign. Members will also have to sign an attendance sheet.

The initial stage will begin and members will be given an opportunity to introduce

themselves, where they are from, and talk a bit about why they are here; they will also be

encouraged to talk about any concerns or fears they may have about being in the group, or by

being a member of the program. They can also talk about their country, their family, their losses,

and whatever else they would like to share. The purpose of this self-discloser session is to create


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a bond and trust amongst group members and the leader, members will be able to relate to each

other and see that they are all there for similar reasons. The leader will be well-versed in

attending skills and show respect and empathy.

11:00 am break time

After the break a guest speaker will come in to speak with the group. He/she will be

introduced to the group. The guest speaker is also a refugee who came to the country years ago

seeking asylum. The speaker talks about their country and the conflict there and how it affected

their life, then the speaker talks about moving to Canada with nothing and having to rebuild

his/her life. They talk about their experience in Canada and how they were able to integrate into

society, go to school, find a job, and become independent. When the speaker is done, the

members will have an opportunity to ask the speaker questions.

1:00pm lunch time

After lunch the leader will begin the discussion by talking about cultural and group norms

among Arab culture but with high regard and dignity. It is at this point that gender equality will

be addressed very lightly, and caring confrontation will be used. A video will be shown that

depicts the differences between Canadian and Eastern culture, it will talk about how Canadian

culture is more individualistic, freedom to practice religion without discrimination, women and

men are equal etc. When the video is over there will be a discussion session, members are given

an opportunity to express themselves one by one on the video and how it made them felt and

why. The purpose of the video is to open discussion and try to create group cohesion.


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2:30 pm break time

After the break is over, members are encouraged to establish general goals with the leader

helping them to make those goals more specific and establishing a timeline. Members write

down their goals and are encouraged to keep it with them as a reminder.

4:00pm initial stage and first day complete

Day 2

Sunday 9:00 am

The instructor opens the dialogue by asking everyone about their thoughts about the day

before. Afterwards the instructor will discuss the program and services offered by the agency,

such as emergency assistance, crisis intervention, housing and education program, and how the

program connects members with community agencies and services to further meet their needs

and provide aid, such as referrals to psychological aid. The program also helps members apply

for governmental assistance and services if they are eligible.

11:00 am break time

At this point we move into the transitional stage of the group. Members discuss anxieties

and fears they felt in their country and anxiety and fears they have in their host country. They

discuss fears such as being open, being judged, or feeling depressed or angry. The purpose of

this is to help members feel safe, remove barriers caused by fear, and help them understand their

fears better, it also creates trust. The leader will not specifically call out members who are

quieter but ask if anyone who hasnt spoken yet is willing to share, the leader is very respectfully

and delicately encourages quieter members to open up.


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1:00 pm lunch time

The Working stage of the seminar begins. Goals are once again discussed, both short term

and long term. The leader offers encouragement and guidance, and provides feedback.

Members openly discuss goals and how they hope to overcome barrier to meet these goals. They

talk about their fears and how they will overcome them. They also discuss the steps they will

take in order to reach their goals. The leader makes everyone sign a contract committing

themselves to the change.

2:30 pm break time

Final stage begins here. Members talk about what they have learned and how they felt about

the seminars. Members will talk about what they plan to do after group is over, and how they

will prepare themselves to be able to move forward. The leader will talk about confidentiality

once more to remind members of its importance and their commitment to it. Members who wish

to join the program at this point may do so or arrange an appointment with the intake worker.

4:00pm Seminar ends.


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Evaluations

The group leader will perform evaluations at each break; they will record what occurred

during the session to keep in their records and learn from each experience. They will also record

each members progress and participation. The records will be ke pt secure and the leader will

follow privacy guidelines.

Equipment

20 Chairs

Large round table

Television

DVD player

Pens and Paper

Contracts

Chalk and Chalkboard

References


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Porter M, Haslam N. Predisplacement and Postdisplacement Factors Associated With MentalHealth of Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons: A Meta-analysis. JAMA.2005;294(5):602-612. doi:10.1001/jama.294.5.602.

The UN Refugee Agency, 2014. Retrieved from http://www.unhcr.org/pages/49c3646cd4.html

The Canadian Arab Institute, 2014. Retrieved from:http://www.canadianarabinstitute.org/publications/reports/one-five-refugees-canada-arab/

Lustig, Stuart L. et al. Review of Child and Adolescent Refugee Mental HealthJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry , Volume 43 , Issue 1 , 24 36

Montgomery E. Refugee children from the Middle East. Scand J Soc Med Suppl. 1998;54:1

152.

Westhead, R. Syrias refugee children cope with trauma of war . The Star. 2012. Retrievedfrom:http://www.thestar.com/news/world/2012/08/13/syrias_refugee_children_cope_with_trauma_of_ war.html
http://www.unhcr.org/pages/49c3646cd4.htmlhttp://www.unhcr.org/pages/49c3646cd4.htmlhttp://www.unhcr.org/pages/49c3646cd4.htmlhttp://www.canadianarabinstitute.org/publications/reports/one-five-refugees-canada-arab/http://www.canadianarabinstitute.org/publications/reports/one-five-refugees-canada-arab/http://www.canadianarabinstitute.org/publications/reports/one-five-refugees-canada-arab/http://www.unhcr.org/pages/49c3646cd4.html