Alberta's Social Policy Framework: Building a Foundation for Better Outcomes

Albertas Social Policy Framework Board Voices November 23, 2013

Presentation Outline Background and Context Engagement & Lessons Learned Framework Content A Framework for Action

Background and Context

Investing in Families & Communities Mandate to the Minister of Human Services: Work with other ministries, non-profits, communities, and the private sector to develop a social policy framework that will guide the alignment and redesign of social policy and programs to achieve better outcomes for Albertans

Why now? Time for Review A Growing Gap Changing Expectations Sustainability Challenges Complexity Rapid changes in technology have created an expectation that services be portable, user-driven, and simple Rising income disparity diminishes social cohesion and limits equality of opportunity As our population has grown in size and complexity, so has our system of supports Upward pressures on the cost and types of services required by Albertans Alberta has not had a refreshed social policy framework for decades

Framework Purpose Clarify Outcomes Roles and Responsibilities Coordinate Activities Policy Consistency and Alignment Influence Provide overall direction to planning and decision-making

Engagement & Lessons Learned

Engagement Approach Network Mobilization Community Conversations Focused Engagement Broad Reach Open Information Citizen-as-Editor Speak. Share. Thrive. socialpolicy.alberta.ca Speak. Share. Thrive. socialpolicy.alberta.ca

Community Conversations by Location June November 2012 socialpolicy.alberta.ca/Engagement_Results socialpolicy.alberta.ca/Engagement_Results

Lessons Learned Leverage Existing Relationships to Move Faster, Farther Not Everyone Speaks your Language Match Tools to Context Remember Your Staff People are willing to work on projects that affect them Be clear and use plain language Use methods and tools that suit your context (i.e., not everyone needs a wiki) Staff involvement is integral to success Ask for help Do not over- estimate comfort with Web 2.0 tools You don t have to know all the answers to ask the questions

More Lessons Learned Managing Input: Have a Plan Engage Early and Often Be Open Share Close the Feedback Loop People want to participate in policy development Show people what you did with their input, and tell them why you did it Expect to get a wide range of feedback, in a wide range of formats Transparency builds trust Ownership requires involvement

Critical Success Factors Everyone was committed to listening We asked for help Leadership believed that process was as important as product We were prepared to support people to engage in the process

Framework Content

Framework Components Statement of Goals Vision for the Future Identified Desired Outcomes List of Key Principles Described Roles and Responsibilities GoA Transformational Initiatives

Social Policy Goals Create a Person- Centred System of High Quality Services Enable Collaboration and Partnerships Protect Vulnerable People Reduce Inequality

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 Policy is aligned across program areas so that tools & supports work together Aligned Programs and services balance prevention and intervention, support the whole person, and recognize strengths and needs Balanced Albertans can access and benefit from cohesive, flexible, timely, and informed services Accessible Accountable & Sustainable Social programs and services are results-oriented and transparent Roles are complementary, balanced, and work together to achieve outcomes Complementary

Social Policy Principles People First Dignity Healthy, Strong Relationships Mutual Responsibility Accountable Collaboration Inclusion Proactive

Roles & Responsibilities Private Sector Non-Profit & Voluntary Sector Community Families & Households Governments Individuals

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

A Living Framework Clarify Roles Coordinate Action on Transformational Initiatives Identify Ways to Monitor and Evaluate Progress So, we have a framework Now what? Continue Dialogue

Using the Framework Government of Alberta Others Transformational Initiatives Strategic Planning Results-Based Budgeting Priority Setting Transforming Service Delivery Engagement Transforming Relationships Service Delivery Legislative Reviews

Transformational Initiatives Early Childhood Development Results-Based Budgeting Partner with First Nations, M tis, and Inuit communities Poverty Reduction Strategy Common Service Access Safe Communities Primary Health Care Initiatives Ten-Year Plan to End Homelessness

Together We Raise Tomorrow Alberta s Social Policy Framework Alberta s Children s Charter Alberta Approach to Early Childhood Development Alberta s Poverty Reduction Strategy Program and Service Delivery 26

Results Based Budgeting Results Based Budgeting Program Review Alignment with Social Policy Framework Outcomes, Principles, Policy Shifts, and Roles Programs that support better outcomes for Albertans Relevant Effective Efficient

Transforming Service Delivery Integrated Service Delivery Common Service Access Aligned Delivery Regions Improved Service Delivery Citizen- Centered Delivery Model Online Services Information Sharing Strategy

Transforming Relationships Effective Engagement with Albertans Strengthened Cross- Ministry Collaboration Family & Community Engagement Councils Shared Responsibility for Improved Outcomes

Framework in Action Alberta s Social Policy Framework is used as A Lens Strategic Planning Tool Priority Setting Tool A Model for Engagement Common Language and Vision Renew Focus on Innovation and Collaboration

Thank You