What is it?
When a person arrives at IRCA CASABIERTA for the first time, the first thing they find is Social Work.
At that moment, you don’t need to come with anything figured out: no documents, no certainties, no exact words to describe what you’re going through. What you will find, though, is a team member who will listen to you without hurry and without judgment.
In that first conversation we’ll go over your situation: how you got here, how you’re doing, what you need, what resources you have, and which ones you’re missing.
That meeting is the start of their support journey within the organization and with the networks and institutions that can join the process.
What we can do and what we can't
We don't have everything, but what we do have, we give it all to you.
We Do
- Listen to them and make a comprehensive assessment of their situation without judgments or conditions.
- Identify your needs in health, housing, food, documentation, and emotional well-being.
- Build your support path and coordinate your access to the other IRCA CASABIERTA services.
- Manage references to other organizations and institutions according to their needs.
- Support in emergency situations: coordination of shelter, food, and essential items (subject to evaluation and availability).
- Make socio-educational processes easier regarding rights, integration, and available resources in Costa Rica.
- Accompany them in the process of opening a file and following up on their case.
- Coordinate with Legal Advice, Psychology, Social Oversight, and the CID according to your situation.
We Don't Do
- Manage appointments directly at state institutions (Migration, CCSS, EBAIS).
- Give cash or make bank transfers.
- Guarantee your own shelter. We only coordinate with the network of partner shelters.
- Speeding up migration processes or guaranteeing outcomes in asylum procedures.
- Replace clinical psychological or psychiatric care.
- Provide legal representation or notary services.
What does Social Work evaluate?
The social work assessment covers six areas of your life.
Not to classify you, but to understand you and build the best starting point.
Immigration status
This information guides access to legal advice.
We know when and how he got to Costa Rica, what his current situation is, whether or not he has a criminal record, and if he wants to stay in the country permanently.
Sexual orientation and gender identity
This information is completely confidential and helps us better understand the reasons for forced displacement. We talk about your identity and acceptance process, your family relationships, whether you have experienced situations of violence or discrimination, and if you have been part of LGBTIQ+ organizations in your country.
Health situation
Physical health conditions, disability, social security coverage, access to medications, ongoing hormone treatments (for trans people), substance use, history of STI and HIV tests, and mental health needs.
Support networks
Who are the trusted people in your life currently in Costa Rica and in your home country?
Support networks are a key protective factor and guide accompaniment strategies.
Schooling and training
We connect with the Integration and Development Center by finding out their educational level, whether they brought original certificates or can get them, if they have already validated their degrees with the MEP, and if they are interested in studying, training, or developing skills for employment or entrepreneurship.
Socioeconomic situation
This information guides access to subsidies, references to the food bank, and the route to the CID. We know if they are working, their income level, work experience, how they manage their meals, whether they have a bank account, or if they receive financial support from other organizations. Housing situation and basic services.
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Everything I share in the assessment is strictly confidential.
We don't share your information with any government institution without your express written permission.
What is the care process like?
The process is designed so that step by step it takes shape.
First contact
Complete the online form or write to WhatsApp.
We just need to know how they're doing and what kind of situation they're going through.
Team response
Within up to 48 business hours, someone from Social Work will contact you to set up an appointment.
If your situation is urgent, let us know when you contact us.
Comprehensive assessment
On the first appointment, someone from the team listens to you, asks the necessary questions, and builds a complete picture of your situation together with you.
Building your route
Based on the assessment, Social Work coordinates your access to the services you need within IRCA CASABIERTA and manages external referrals when appropriate. You decide the pace.
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Response time: up to 48 business hours for general inquiries.
If your situation involves immediate risk (active threat, violence, being homeless), please let us know when contacting us and we will prioritize your attention.
Access requirements
To access the Social Work service, you just need:
To access the Social Work service, you just need: - Being an LGBTIQ+ person in a situation of migration, forced displacement, or seeking refuge in Costa Rica.
- Being willing to voluntarily participate in an assessment of your situation.
- Have a way to be contacted: WhatsApp, email, or another digital channel. If you don't have an email, the Chavela Vargas Room at CID can guide you.
Not required:
Not required: - No previous document for the first contact.
- To have your immigration status regularized.
- Knowing exactly what service you need.
- Speaking Spanish fluently (we have basic guidance in English and coordinate support in other languages when necessary).
Impact story
I left Nicaragua as a minor. It wasn’t a decision, it was the only way out. Since I was little, my family rejecting me was my first displacement. Then came something that almost cost me my life: they mistook me for a Nicaraguan trans activist who was being persecuted and threatened with death. With that weight on me, staying was no longer an option. I arrived in Costa Rica without documents, without anyone waiting for me, not knowing what was going to happen, and I survived as best I could.
Today I am 35 years old. My journey continues. There’s still a way to go, but I have support, I’m making progress with my immigration status, and for the first time in a long time, I can think about the future.
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Story built from a real case.
Protected identification data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to talk about my sexual orientation from the beginning?
No. The assessment progresses at its own pace. They will share what they want to share and when they feel it’s the right time. The Social Work team is trained to handle each conversation with respect, without pressure and without judgment.
How long does the first interview last?
The initial assessment lasts about 60 to 90 minutes. It doesn’t have to be completed in a single appointment if the situation requires it. What’s important is that you feel comfortable throughout the whole process.
Can the interview be virtual?
What happens if I'm in an emergency situation?
Does Social Work share my information with other institutions?
Can I change my mind and not go through with the process?
Shall we take the first step?
Social work is here to listen to you and help you find the way.
Shall we take the step today?
Social work helps you find the way
