Settlement.org - Information for Newcomers to Ontario

Settlement.Org provides an electronic community where newcomers can get information and resources to settle in Ontario, read relevant news, ask their questions and share their experiences with others, and access a database of community organizations.

Accessibility

Users are able to access the service on the internet. Also, settlement workers often print out the information and give it to clients directly.

Newcomer Involvement

The website has a very robust user engagement practice. Feedback is encouraged and given via the dynamic discussion forums. This area has over 20,000 members.

OCASI has recently completed a full evaluation of the service with a survey of over 600 site users.

Stakeholder Collaboration

The Settlement.Org Steering Committee has members who represent the funders and users. The Committee has been operational since the launch of the site more than 10 years ago. Additionally, in the discussion forums, some users are active mentors to more recent immigrants.

Accountability

OCASI takes great care in providing the online services for which it is funded by CIC and the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration (MCI). Moreover, since the product is ingrained in the work flow of settlement workers, the website team takes great care to include them in the planning and testing of new features.

Positive Outcome

Clients have timely and accurate information they need to get settled in Ontario. They can access this information before or after they arrive in Ontario. Along with accurate information, clients can also find referrals to quality services in their community.

Selected Statistics (April 1, 2010 to March 31, 2011):
1,275,980 Visits
4,511,475 Page Views
3:24 Minutes Average Time on the Site

Transferability

The Settlement.Org model can be replicated in other jurisdictions. While the website team has had many inquiries over the years, most have been informal or preliminary.

Background

Service Providers
Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants (OCASI)
Funders
Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC); Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration (MCI)
Scope
Provincial/Territorial
Locations
Across Ontario
Year of Launch
2001
Languages of Delivery
English and French
Newcomer Groups Served
Newcomers and settlement service providers
Expected Results
Information and Orientation (Newcomers make informed decisions about their settlement and understand life in Canada)

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