Representation for Immigrants and Refugee Claimants

Appendix 3 Interview Guide - Hearing Participants (continued)

2.  Access to Representation

The following questions link back to the responses respondents have given to the preceding set of questions. Again, respondents are expected to reply only with respect to processes in which they have direct experience. Where necessary, interviewers should adapt the questions to clarify the link to the preceding responses. For example, the interviewer might make specific reference to a particular need for assistance or representation as identified by the respondent and then ask whether the subjects of the proceedings in question have any problems accessing that assistance or representation.

3.  Required qualifications

The following questions should be addressed, as appropriate, to respondents who have identified needs for assistance and/or representation that persons who are the subject of any of the four processes (refugee determination, detention review, immigration inquiry, immigration appeals, as the case may be) may have. Again, for clarity, interviewers should adapt the questions as appropriate to link them to specific responses to the first set of questions.

4.  Special needs (women, unaccompanied minors, mentally disabled and others)

The following questions are directed to eliciting information from respondents regarding the special needs of particular sub-groups - women, unaccompanied minors and mentally disabled persons involved in immigration and refugee proceedings. Where possible, interviewers should ask respondents to describe in generic terms instances or cases of which they are aware that illustrate the special representation needs of the three groups. Interviewers should also ask respondents if they are aware of any other sub-groups with special representation needs.