CRISP, a program connecting refugees with community groups for support during resettlement, has become permanent in Australia after proving its effectiveness and positive impact.
The federal government has announced that the Community Refugee Integration and Settlement Pilot (known as CRISP ) will become permanent. Launched in mid-2022, CRISP has assisted over 500 refugees in settling with community groups across Australia . Juan Santamaria, a former criminal lawyer from Venezuela who fled his home country in 2023, is one such refugee.
He was part of the CRISP program and received support from local community groups with various tasks, including registering for Medicare and finding accommodation. Santamaria expressed his gratitude for the program, stating that it offered a new beginning after a challenging time and made the transition to a new country much easier.The CRISP program initially ran for three years, linking community groups with refugee families nominated by the United Nations refugee agency for 12 months of support during their resettlement in Australia. Through CRISP, Santamaria was connected with a Jewish community group, forming a lifelong friendship with Guy Abrahams, a member of the group. Santamaria welcomes the government's decision to make CRISP permanent, emphasizing the crucial support it provides to arriving refugees, helping them connect with their community, access essential services, and integrate into Australian life. Federal Assistant Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs Julian Hill lauded CRISP as 'cost-effective' and productive, citing positive feedback from both communities and refugees who have benefited from the program. The original pilot program was set to end in June 2025, but the government has allocated an additional $1 million to extend it until June 2026. This decision allows organizations and volunteers to continue planning and supporting refugees. Lisa Button, Chief Executive of Community Refugee Sponsorship Australia, which coordinates the program, expressed hope to expand CRISP's reach and enable more people to participate. She envisions the program's potential to assist in various situations, including emerging crises like the Afghanistan evacuation in 2021, the arrival of Ukrainian refugees, and the Gaza situation.
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