The casework needs of asylum seekers include a range of welfare, legal, bureaucratic, compliance and immigration matters throughout the reception and determination process. There have been varying casework and case management responses in countries with asylum processing systems, ranging from comprehensive government departmental responsibility through to contracted services and welfare agency service provision. Case management systems are in place to ensure asylum seekers receive appropriate care and are adequately prepared for all outcomes. Provision of these services recognizes that the government has a duty of care responsibility to people seeking protection while they await a final decision.
The needs of asylum seekers may differ due to a range of variables, but underlying vulnerabilities and needs exist in all categories. This paper outlines the rationale and principles behind casework provision for asylum seekers, as well as various casework approaches used by Hotham Mission in ensuring an appropriate and sustainable community-based response to asylum seekers, many of whom may face removal from Australia.
