CARE Strategy

Since the early 2000s, a need was identified for ensuring culturally-competent programs and services for the children and youth of immigrant families in Calgary. Based on the 2003 report Conversations for Change: An Overview of Services for Immigrant Children and Youth, issues such as the limited access to resources, programs and services by immigrant children and youth – as well as effective engagement in programs and services by this population – incited a city-wide response. The CARE Strategy was the end-result. It is currently housed at Immigrant Sector Council of Calgary and focuses on four key principles:

• Cultural Competency: All programs and services affecting children and youth of immigrant families have core cultural competencies that improve accessibility and inclusiveness.
• Accessible, Aligned and Coordinated Services: All programs and services for children and youth of immigrant families are accessible, aligned and coordinated.
• Research: Institutions and organizations will continuously conduct, access and share quality, relevant and current research to inform their decisions regarding policies, practices and services for children and youth of immigrant families.
• Education: Education systems continuously develop capacities to promote the development of children and youth of immigrant families.

Related Documents

1. The City of Calgary Welcoming Community Policy
2. CARE Strategy: A Framework for Action