The Inform offers the analysis of the policy and operational support available to return counsellors to assist them in their role to provide migrants with timely, unbiased and reliable information on return. It found that there were no national legal or policy frameworks in place to ensure a standardized approach for return counsellors’ minimum qualifications and training requirements; however, minimum standards were upheld by relying on well-established practices or, in some cases, guidance and expertise provided by IOM. Professional support typically included initial training, refresher courses, handbooks, guidelines and helplines. In some cases, counsellor monitoring practices were also in place. One of the main challenges identified was the limited personal support available to help councilors to deal with aspects of the work that could be difficult and emotionally draining.
Policies and practices for the training and support of return counsellors in their role to provide migrants with timely, unbiased and reliable information on return (2020)
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