Archived - Evaluation of the Enhanced Prevention Focused Approach in Alberta for the Child and Family - Follow-up Report Status Update as of March 31, 2011

As the department transitions to the Enhanced Prevention Focused Approach province-by-province, costs such as remoteness are being incorporated into the funding formula (e.g. Saskatchewan, N.S., PEI all have remoteness as a factor, as will all remaining provinces). In the case of Alberta, First Nations and the Province did not flag remoteness during the discussion to develop the formula; therefore, it was not included.

The introduction and implementation of an EPFA to child welfare on-reserve will not necessarily result in an overnight decrease of children in care. In fact, initially, the children in care rate will continue to grow until the full implementation of this model takes effect, which will probably be after a few years. Alberta found that, with implementation of the provincial response model, it was able to better contain costs over a number of years. It is therefore anticipated in FNCFS that there will be fewer children and youth requiring costly out of home placements in institutions and group homes, thereby reducing federal costs of maintaining children out of their parental home, while allowing for better outcomes from FN children, youth and families.

Based on this recommendation, INAC will determine if any modifications to the new model are required.

Update/Rationale:
As of 31/03/2011:

The Department has already had some early results which show some positive outcomes being achieved in Alberta. Early indications from the province are: a decrease in caseloads of children in care; an increase in families accessing family enhancement programming; and a rise in permanent placements of children.

The Department will work with its stakeholders in Alberta in 2011-2012 to develop a tripartite MOU that will focus on roles and responsibilities and ensuring that positive results are achieved. This may include ways of addressing problems identified by First Nations in achieving these outcomes.

AES: Underway (in progress)

INAC will review its distribution of capacity resources region-by-region within the FNCFS program.

Update/Rationale:
As of 31/03/2011:

Updated expected completion date: March 2012

The Department is working with each region and stakeholders to ensure more effective uses of capacity resources.

Furthermore, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada will participate in discussions regarding the development of a tripartite memorandum of understanding with the province and First Nations regarding child welfare. This will focus on achieving better outcomes and capacity development.

AES: Underway (in progress)

Efforts are currently underway to further strengthen performance measures and collection of data through the development of a comprehensive Performance Measurement Strategy for the FNCFS Program. This Strategy will be informed by the National Child Welfare Outcomes Indicator Matrix (NOM), which is being adopted by provinces. As in the past, this work will continue to be undertaken in collaboration with key program stakeholders. This Strategy will ensure alignment with agency business plans, the policy on Evaluation and the Policy on Transfer Payments and is anticipated to be completed December 2010. INAC will support agencies in updating their business plans each year in collaboration with the province and will review progress in implementing their plans through meetings during the year.

Update/Rationale:
As of 31/03/2011:

Updated expected completion date for implementation: April 2012

The Social Umbrella Performance Measurement Strategy for all five social development programs was approved February 22, 2011, by the Evaluation, Performance Measurement and Review Committee. The implementation of the Strategy, expected for April 2012, will improve both the type of information that we collect and the process.

INAC continues to support FNCFS agencies in updating their business plans each year in collaboration with the province and will continue to review progress in implementing plans through meetings during the year.

Furthermore, as INAC will be working with its stakeholders in Alberta to develop a tripartite MOU, indicator and business plan development will be included in the discussions.

AES: Underway (in progress)

INAC is aware that new program requirements need to be clearly articulated to all parties. INAC is currently updating existing material (program manual, reporting guides) and is expected to make these materials publically available by the end of fiscal year 2010-2011; it will be posted on the INAC website.

Update/Rationale:
As of 31/03/2011:

April 2011

INAC has recently completed a review and update of the national program manual. The manual will provide clear expectations regarding eligible recipients, eligible expenditures and other information necessary for funding administrators to deliver the program. The Manual is in the final approval process necessary to post on INAC's website and will be available in April 2011.

Alberta Region will continue to work with their Recipients to communicate the flexibility inherent in the Enhanced Prevention Focused Approach.

Additionally, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada will participate in discussions regarding the development of a tripartite memorandum of understanding with the province and First Nations regarding child welfare. This will focus on roles and responsibilities and ensuring that positive results are achieved.

AES: Underway (in progress)

INAC, as a funder, will continue to work with the provinces to establish roles and responsibilities with the remaining provinces that will transition to EPFA. INAC will continue to build relationships via tripartite tables and will assess the feasibility of entering into more formal arrangements with the provinces as well as identify other mechanisms to ensure that roles and responsibilities are clearly outlined including data collection requirements.

In all future development of Tripartite Frameworks, INAC will ensure that roles and responsibilities are included.

Update/Rationale:
As of 31/03/2011:

Updated expected completion date : March 2012

INAC is beginning discussions with the Province and stakeholders to develop a tripartite MOU that will focus on roles and responsibilities and ensure desired results.

AES: Underway (in progress)