OCASI, in partnership with the Childhood Arrivals Support and Advocacy Centre of Canada (CASA), is pleased to invite youth-serving and settlement professionals to a full-day hybrid learning event: Navigating Legal Status and Belonging: Supporting Youth with No or Precarious Immigration Status
About this Event
The overall objective of this full-day learning event is to strengthen the capacity of youth settlement and youth-serving professionals to support young people with no or precarious immigration status through informed, ethical, and anti-racist practice. The day is designed to combine legal knowledge, community-based advocacy, and lived experience to help participants better understand systemic barriers and respond effectively in their roles.
Session 1: Supporting Young People with No or Precarious Status
Speakers:
- Sarah Pole (She/Her) | Executive Director | Childhood Arrivals Support and Advocacy Centre of Canada (CASA)
- Esther Lexchin (She/Her) | Staff Lawyer | CASA
Session 2: Understanding Youth Rights
Speaker:
- Emily Chan (She/Her) | Staff Lawyer | Community Development | Justice for Children and Youth (JFCY)
Session 3: Borderless Access to Education
Speakers:
- Brantella Williams (She/Her) | Executive Director | S4 Collective
- Adrianna Gardiner (She/Her) | Project Coordinator | Black Creek Youth Initiative (BCYI)
Session 4: Youth Voices – Lived Experience Panel
A facilitated discussion centering youth lived experiences. Panelists’ identities will remain confidential.
Read full sessions descriptions!
Registration deadline: Feb 16, 2026
Light breakfast, lunch, and refreshments will be provided.
ASL English/Interpreters Provided 
If you have any questions, please contact Tarana Sultan at: tsultan@ocasi.org
Organizations are welcome to display their materials. To book a display space, please get in touch with Tarana Sultan at tsultan@ocasi.org