Alberta’s
Social Policy
Framework
FCSSAA Conference
November 2013
Presentation Outline
Background and Context
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
Alberta has
not had a
refreshed
social policy
framework
for decades
Complexity
As our
population
has grown
in size and
complexity,
so has our
system of
supports
A Growing
Gap
Changing
Expectations
Rising
income
disparity
diminishes
social
cohesion
and limits
equality of
opportunity
Rapid
changes in
technology
have
created an
expectation
that
services be
portable,
user-driven,
and simple
Sustainability
Challenges
Upward
pressures
on the cost
and types
of services
required by
Albertans
Framework Purpose
Clarify
• Outcomes
• Roles and Responsibilities
Coordinate
• Activities
• Policy Consistency and Alignment
Influence
• Provide overall direction to planning and
decision-making
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
Reduce
Inequality
Protect
Vulnerable
People
Create a
PersonCentred
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
• Policy is aligned across program areas so that
tools & supports work together
Balanced
• Programs and services balance prevention and
intervention, support the whole person, and
recognize strengths and needs
Accessible
• Albertans can access and benefit from cohesive,
flexible, timely, and informed services
Accountable & • Social programs and services are results-oriented
and transparent
Sustainable
Complementary
• Roles are complementary, balanced, and work
together to achieve outcomes
Social Policy Principles
People
Dignity
First
Healthy, Strong
Relationships
Mutual
Responsibility
Accountable
Collaboration
Inclusion Proactive
Roles & Responsibilities
Private
Sector
Non-Profit
&
Voluntary
Sector
Community
Families &
Households
Individuals
Governments
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
So, we have a
framework…
Now what?
Coordinate Action on
Transformational
Initiatives
Identify Ways to
Monitor and Evaluate
Progress
Continue Dialogue
Using the Framework
Government of
Alberta
Others
Transformational Initiatives
Strategic Planning
Results-Based Budgeting
Priority Setting
Transforming Service Delivery
Engagement
Transforming Relationships
Legislative Reviews
Service Delivery
Transformational Initiatives
Early Childhood
Development
Results-Based
Budgeting
Poverty Reduction
Strategy
Partner with First
Nations, Métis, and
Inuit communities
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
20
Results Based Budgeting
Results Based
Budgeting
Program Review
Alignment with
Social Policy
Framework
Programs that
support better
outcomes for
Albertans
Outcomes, Principles,
Policy Shifts, and
Roles
Relevant
Effective
Efficient
Transforming Service Delivery
Integrated
Service
Delivery
Common
Service
Access
Aligned
Delivery
Regions
Improved
Service
Delivery
CitizenCentered
Delivery
Model
Online
Services
Information
Sharing
Strategy
Transforming Relationships
Effective
Engagement with
Albertans
Family & Community
Engagement
Councils
Strengthened CrossMinistry
Collaboration
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