Some Manitoba agencies that work with new immigrants say they're concerned that families may not get the help they need after a specialized Newcomer Unit was closed. 

The Winnipeg Child and Family Services Newcomer Unit was created in 2009 to help newcomers navigate the province's legal and child-welfare systems but it was abruptly shut down and staff reassigned as of Monday.

The General Child and Services Authority says it was no longer needed because culturally sensitive services are provided elsewhere.

“Winnipeg Child and Family Services will provide service to newcomer families across ten family service teams,” the authority said Tuesday in an emailed statement.

The authority says all community partners were notified but some of those groups say they only learned of the closure from clients who couldn't get help last week.