The Canadian Paediatric Society, along with partner organizations have developed a comprehensive website with information and resources for health care practitioners on how to support the healthy development of newcomer children in Canada.
Caring for Kids New to Canada makes clear the notion that “Caring for children and youth new to Canada involves more than a history and physical”. The website offers important information in 7 areas:
- Assessment and screening
- Medical conditions
- Mental health and development
- Health promotion
- Culture and health
- Providing care for newcomers
- Beyond the clinic
The initiative’s vision statement:
- Improve the ability of health care providers to deliver services to children and youth new to Canada.
- Improve the ability of institutions to develop polices, practices and programs that are evidence-based and that meet the needs of newcomers and their families.
- Improve the long-term health and developmental outcomes for children and youth new to Canada.
- Reduce—and eventually eliminate—the gaps between the health of children/youth new to Canada and their Canadian-born peers”.
The site supports health care practitioners – and others who care for newcomer children – to learn about resources for immigrant children and families in their communities; how to provide culturally competent care; and how to assess if the patient is adjusting well to Canada.
