Social innovation for refugee inclusion
by Mike STANNETT
The refugee situation in Europe and many of its member states has now moved on from the primary 'crisis' response into the social inclusion phase. This throws up many challenges, not least to the already over stretched social protection and health care systems, as well as housing and schools. However there are some basic lessons and good practices that can be adopted to provide an easier journey into social inclusion.
This report of a conference entitled ‘Social innovation for refugee inclusion’ covers many of the issues and how they have been dealt with particularly in the USA and Canada, offering up best practices, such a rural integration initiatives, or community sponsorship schemes etc. The situations facing refugees and migrant integration also pushes The Salvation Army to consider some of these issues and challenges as it seeks to respond and adapt to presenting needs.