Project Type: Client Intake and Assistance
Fields of Law: Immigration and Refugee Law
Positions Available: 6-8 students
About Matthew House
Matthew House is a nationally recognized leader in welcoming, assisting, and resettling newly arrived refugee claimants who would otherwise be homeless. Since 2013, Matthew House Toronto has been offering a “simulation” of Refugee Hearings, which completely mirrors the process that takes place at the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB). To date, close to 1000 refugee claimants have participated in the program.
Project Details
The Matthew House Refugee Hearing Preparation Program’s goal is to support individuals prepare for their Refugee Hearing to increase the chances of a successful outcome. The program is run by well trained volunteers many of whom are lawyers and even retired IRB members. These volunteers play the role of “Board Members” and question the claimants based on their actual Basis of Claim (BOC) narrative submitted several weeks earlier. While there is no “counsel” present, a Hearing Supervisor sits in the room during the simulation and serves as a liaison between the volunteer adjudicator and the claimant and facilitates the feedback and interaction.
In 2022, the RHP conducted 204 hearings which impacted 421 claimants. Before COVID-19, in 2019 the RHP conducted 330 hearings.
Role of Student Volunteer(s)
Students will observe client mock hearings, liaise with the adjudicator, provide information to clients about the hearing process, and to assist in the expansion of the mock hearing service offered by Mathew House across various Canadian cities. In particular their duties will include:
- Being the voluntary supervisor at hearings
- Walking a claimant through the process step by step
- Providing information about the court process to clients
- Expanding the project virtually to other cities and what that would involve for students
Students will act as volunteer supervisors at the beginning stages of their placement. Supervisors are asked to observe three sessions before leading a session on their own. Students are expected to transition into volunteer adjudicators for at least one session at the end of their placement. They will be responsible for facilitating the session.
Is A Work Plan Required For This Position?
Yes, the student will be provided with an onboarding package that will include a timeline of important dates and schedules for volunteers.
If yes, the student(s) must reach out to the lawyer supervisor, draft a work plan, and submit it by email to the Program Coordinator and the lawyer supervisor by November 1st at the latest. Please note that workplans are required for all legal research and writing projects.
What Type Of Training Will the Organization Provide?
Note: All first year PBSC volunteers and all volunteers working on research projects must also attend a PBSC/Thomson Reuters legal research strategies workshop.
There are videos and an in-person Q&A session that the students are required to complete. The training involves an overview of refugee law, IRB Guidelines, and tips and protocol on providing neutral feedback. The students will also be required to familiarize themselves with the onboarding package provided to them at the beginning of the placement.
How Many Hours Per Week Will the Student Volunteer(s) Be Expected to Volunteer?
3-5 hours per week.
Will The Student(s) Be Expected To Show Up For Regular Shifts Each Week?
There will be a set schedule for students to attend the mock hearings and it will be agreed upon by the students and the organization at the start of the placement.
Is Workspace Provided For the Student Volunteer(s)?
Yes, if students are able to attend hearings in-person they will be provided a workspace. However, the project will likely take place virtually.
Requirements and Expectations
As this project allows students to work closely with clients, it is essential for student volunteers to be personable, engaging, and genuinely committed to the project. Strong communication skills are important to ensure the success of the placement.