Transcript Document
Alberta’s Social Policy Framework
An Overview February 2013
Presentation Outline Background and Context Engagement Process Framework Content A Framework for Action A Living Framework
Commitment to Families & Communities Premier Priority Areas for Government:
• Investing in Families and Communities • Securing Alberta’s Economic Future • Advancing World-Leading Resource Stewardship
Mandate to the Minister of Human Services: Work with other ministries to develop a social policy framework to guide the alignment and redesign of social policy and programs to achieve better outcomes for Albertans
Purpose
Clarify
• Outcomes • Roles and Responsibilities
Coordinate
• Activities • Policy Consistency and Alignment
Influence
• Provide overall direction to planning and decision-making
Framework Components
Statement of Goals Vision for the Future Identified Desired Outcomes List of Key Principles Described Roles and Responsibilities Core Set of Actions
What is Social Policy?
Housing Employment Education Recreation Health Safety Care
Economic Policy Social Policy Environmental Policy
Why now?
Time for Review Complexity A Growing Gap Changing Expectations Sustainability Challenges
Alberta has not had a refreshed social policy framework for decades As our population has grown in size and complexity, so has our system of supports Rising income disparity diminishes social cohesion and can be a barrier to equality of opportunity Rapid changes in technology have created an expectation that services be portable, user-driven, and simple There is upward pressures on the cost, diversity, and types of services required by Albertans
Engagement Principles
Collaboration Community Ownership Maximize and encourage opportunities for dialogue Engage Albertans in a spirit of co-ownership Integrated Recognize interrelationships Evidence Based Decision making will be informed by research, best practices, and insights gained from dialogue with Albertans Practical Develop and evaluate programs and policies in a proactive and preventative manner Shared Responsibility Transparency Framework is owned by and a responsibility of all Albertans In Framework development and engagement Outcomes Focused Oriented towards tangible, measureable results that will make a positive difference in the daily lives of Albertans
Engagement Approach
Network Mobilization Community Conversations Open Information Citizen-as Editor 27,479 unique site visitors 5,466 completed online surveys 7,250 community conversation participants 387 community conversations 170 library submissions 135 wiki entries
Your Views: Summing Up
Compilation of input received from Albertans during the engagement Reports Data Files Survey Results socialpolicy.alberta.ca/Engagement_Results
Social Policy Goals
Reduce Inequality Protect Vulnerable People Create a Person Centred System of High Quality Services Enable Collaboration and Partnerships
Our Vision for Social Policy
In Alberta, everyone contributes to making our communities inclusive and welcoming. Everyone has opportunities to fulfill their potential and to benefit from our thriving social, economic, and cultural life.
Outcomes for Albertans
Safe
: free from fear of abuse and violence
Healthy
: highest standard of health and well-being
Secure & Resilient
: safe career and work opportunities, with access to income supports when in need
Lifelong Learners
: develop knowledge, skills, and commitment to learning
Included
: feel welcomed in communities where they live, learn, and work
Active & Engaged
: opportunities to participate in recreational activities and cultural experiences, and to engage in society
System & Delivery Outcomes
Aligned Balanced Accessible
• Policy is aligned across program areas so that tools & supports work together • Programs and services balance prevention and intervention, support the whole person, and recognize strengths and needs • Albertans can access and benefit from cohesive, flexible, timely, and informed services
Accountable & Sustainable
• Social programs and services are results-oriented and transparent
Complementary
• Roles are complementary, balanced, and work together to achieve outcomes
Social Policy Principles
Dignity People First Healthy, Strong Relationships Mutual Responsibility Accountable Collaboration Inclusion Proactive
Guide decisions, behaviour, actions Further common understanding Equally important Mutually reinforcing Interdependent
Roles & Responsibilities
Respect Communities Families & Households Private Sector Non-Profit & Voluntary Sector Governments Individuals Fairness Equity Shared Solution Oriented
Policy Shifts
MORE
• Policy balances prevention and intervention • Policy supports citizens (resources and competencies) • Government is an influencer, convener, partner • Social policy emphasizes integration and coordination • Policy is a tool to empower, facilitate, create opportunity • Focus on outcomes, quality, values, and dignity
LESS
• Policy and delivery are often crisis-oriented • Policy addresses symptoms and deficiencies • Government is a service provider, funder, legislator • Social policy is viewed as silos of need and service • Policy is a tool to control and regulate behaviour • Focus on inputs and rules
A Framework for Action
We Transform
• Systems and Relationships • Practices, Delivery Systems, and Culture • Transformational Initiatives
We Innovate
• Generate alignment across policy domains and tools • Create new opportunities in improved ways • Provide incentives and encourage innovation
We Collaborate
• Work together to achieve positive social outcomes • Develop broad coalitions to resolve challenges • Share a common language and a common vision for the future
Transformational Initiatives
Early Childhood Development Poverty Reduction Strategy Common Service Access Primary Health Care Initiatives Results-Based Budgeting Partner with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities Safe Communities Ten-Year Plan to End Homelessness
A Living Framework So, we have a framework… Now what?
Clarify Roles Coordinate Action on Priority Initiatives Identify Ways to Monitor and Evaluate Progress