CHILDREN’S SERVICES COVID UPDATES

CURRENT CI PRACTICE GUIDANCE MARCH 2022
CS COVID-19 Practice Guidance Staff March 24, 2022

COVID-19 Group and Campus-Based Facilities Practice Guidance March 24, 2022

COVID-19 Rapid Test Information Sheet for Foster & Kinship Caregivers who opt into the CS rapid testing program and consent has been provided by child’s guardian. Regions will ensure caregivers receive a copy of the info sheet.

MINISTRY UPDATES
MARCH 10, 2022
ALIGN Memo – Updated CI Staff and Facilities COVID-19 Practice Guidance Documents March 2022

FEBRUARY 28, 2022
Government of Alberta Will Close the PPE Order Portal March 31, 2022

JANUARY 21, 2022
COVID-19 Rapid Test Information Sheet for Foster & Kinship Caregivers

JANUARY 14, 2021
PCR TESTS & GROUP & CAMPUS-BASE CARE FACILITIES
ALIGN did some follow-up to ensure we understood who qualifies for PCR tests and can confirm that provincial Children’s Services group and campus-based care facilities are not considered eligible for PCR testing under the current PCR testing requirements. Only those who fit under the criteria listed on the website are eligible.The AHS link below is useful for trying to answer any questions regarding testing and current eligibility for PCR. https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/topics/Page17058.aspx

DECEMBER 20, 2021
Message From Holley Belland CS – Child Intervention Delivery Division’s Town Hall COVID-19 Rapid Test Pilot Video & PPT Dec 2021

DECEMBER 16, 2021
Message from ADM Leann Wagner Government of Alberta  Re Rapid Testing Updates December 16, 2021

DECEMBER 6, 2021
ALIGN COVID Memo #63 Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Re: Reporting a COVID illness at Work to OHS Dec 6, 2021

ALIGN MEMO #58 OCTOBER 22, 2021
Dear Members,

Follow up from our last ALIGN Kinship-Foster Care meeting:

1) The Delegation of Powers and Duties to a Child Caregiver (CS1631) was recently updated by removing a caregiver’s ability to consent to immunizations for a child/youth under a Permanent Guardianship Order and Permanent Guardianship Agreement. 

This update is to align with the Enhancement Policy Manual: Intervention Section, Policy 9.1.7 Immunizations that includes the following: 

  • Immunizations are not part of ordinary medical care;
  • The caregiver cannot refuse or consent to immunizations;
  • The caseworker will work collaboratively with the caregiver by affording them the ability to take the lead as much as possible for arranging for the immunizations.

Children’s Services staff will continue to follow Policy 9.1.7 Immunizations to obtain appropriate consents when arranging for immunizations and discuss with caregivers the need to have the proper consents for immunizations. 

To avoid further confusion and to ensure the appropriate delegations are in place, Children’s Services staff have been directed to provide caregivers with the updated Delegation of Powers and Duties to a Child Caregiver (CS1631) form by December 23rd, 2021. 

Note: For further information about COVID-19 Immunization for Child & Youth 12 and Over, please refer to the Child Intervention Practice Guidance Coronavirus (COVID-19)

VIEW FULL MEMO #58 HERE

View Enhancement Act Policy Revisions Fall 2021 – All pdf for detailed information regarding policy revisionsThe Enhancement Policy Manual describes the policy, purpose and practice support or procedure that guide our work with children, youth and families. We often get requests from service delivery, recommendations and directions to update or create new policy.  On an ongoing basis, we ensure that policy is aligned with current practice approaches and tools.  We are attempting to establish a clear and timely policy release cycle to:

  • ensure we address the specific needs of service delivery in an organized and thoughtful manner,  
  • build in adequate consultation and approval time and process, and

·         support communication and understanding of policy changes.

Regular policy releases and updates will occur bi-annually (Spring and Fall) and there are times when circumstances require an immediate policy release.. 

If you or your staff have any questions about the updates, please have them email the policy team at CS.CFSPolicyManualQuestions@gov.ab.ca.

OCTOBER 19, 2021 (Posted by Skills Society)
Letter from the Alberta Government encouraging COVID-19 vaccination policies for employees On October 13th, 2021 the Minister of Community and Social Services (CSS), Jason Luan, and the Minister of Health, Jason Copping, wrote a letter to CSS stakeholders asking service providers to consider implementing COVID-19 vaccination policies for their employees

“Alberta’s government is asking Community and Social Services service providers to consider implementing COVID-19 vaccination policies for their employees, if you have not already done so, to help keep clients, staff and all Albertans safe as we combat the fourth wave of the virus. … COVID-19 vaccines have been determined to be the best way to stop the spread of the virus. During this critical time we must do all we can to reinforce that message and to encourage as many Albertans as possible to get vaccinated.”

SEPTEMBER 3, 2021
Message From Crista Carmichael CSS – FSCD and PDD In-Person Meetings Suspended Sept 2021

AUGUST 16, 2021
Alberta Gov – Health guide, tool kit and on-site vaccination ensure safe school year ahead

New health guidance will ensure students’ safety and help school officials prepare for the new school year.

AUGUST 10, 2021
MyHealth – How To Access Your COVID Vaccine and Test Records In Alberta  Your Alberta COVID-19 vaccination record can be accessed through MyHealth Records, but you’ll need to create an account first. Set it up now so it’s ready to use. You can also use your account to see COVID tests and other medical info

JUNE 18, 2021
Alberta.ca
New Vaccine Guide 

MAY 27, 2021
The Alberta Government wants to hear from Albertans, review available data and expertise, and ensure government and community supports are working for kids and families. Deadline July 31, 2021

COVID FUNDING FOR IMPACTS/RECOVERY
With the increase in sexual violence during the Pandemic, Alberta’s government is investing $1.2 million to support survivors of sexual violence by expanding front-line supports provincewide to help more survivors access critical services.

The Small and Medium Enterprise Relaunch Grant spring application round has been extended from May 31 to June 30, 2021.

The Healthy Communities Initiative (HCI) is a $31 million investment from Infrastructure Canada to support communities as they adapt spaces and services to respond to ongoing needs arising from COVID-19 to support communities in planning for recovery, and becoming more pandemic resilient.

The Alberta Jobs Now program will provide up to $370 million to help private and non-profit businesses with job supports to get thousands of Albertans back to work. Employers can apply for funding to offset the cost of hiring and training unemployed or underemployed Albertans in new or vacant positions.

MAY 5, 2021
With the announcement that government is making it easier for Albertans to be vaccinated,  families with FSCD agreements, PDD-FMS Administrators and service providers no longer need to provide employment validation letters to their front-line disability service workers.  All that is required is for the Albertan to bring a piece of ID with their birth date to their vaccination appointment.
Thank you for your assistance in sharing this with your membership and others.  Jenni

Jenni Enders
PDD Policy and Statutory Oversight

Disability Policy|Disability Services

APRIL 30, 2021
ALIGN – IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL FSCD AND PDD PROVIDERS! April 30, 2021 Vaccine Updates & Town Hall Invitation with Dr. Hinshaw

APRIL 29, 2021
Alberta Government News ReleaseFinishing Phase 2 of vaccine rollout
starting April 30, 2021 Proof of eligibility is required for immunization of staff of eligible facilities and designated support persons. This will include:

  • For staff of congregate facilities, proof of employment (such as a letter from their employer).
  • For designated family support persons, a letter from the congregate living facility (e.g., group home, speciality schools, etc.) is required.
  • An honour system approach will be used for household contacts of profoundly immunocompromised individuals and children under 12 with high-risk medical condition

APRIL 22, 2021
Alberta Bill 71 Now in Effect Ensuring Paid COVID-19 Vaccination Leave

All working Albertans are eligible for paid, job-protected leave to get the COVID-19 vaccine. The Employment Standards Code has been amended to allow all working Albertans to access paid, job-protected leave to get the COVID-19 vaccine. All PT & FT working Albertans can access up to 3 hours of paid leave to get each dose of the COVID-19 vaccine without fear of penalty, loss of pay or reprisal. Job-protected leaves under Bill 71, Employment Standards (COVID-19 Vaccination Leave) Amendment Act, 2021 took effect April 21, 2021 at 7:30 pm.

APRIL 14, 2021
Small and Medium Enterprise Relaunch Grant Funding for small- and medium-sized businesses, co-ops and non-profits impacted by COVID-19 to offset a portion of their costs. April 2021 update: Applications for additional payment Applications for an additional payment of the Small and Medium Enterprise Relaunch Grant for organizations impacted by the April 2021 health public health orders will open soon. The payment is calculated as 15% of the eligible organization’s pre-curtailed monthly revenue to a maximum of $10,000. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a revenue reduction of 30% as well as meet the program’s other eligibility criteria.

APRIL 7, 2021
Funding not-for-profits to support Alberta’s recovery April 07, 2021
Twenty-one civil society organizations will benefit from $7 million in provincial funding to support community recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. With the new Civil Society Fund, Alberta’s government is providing $20 million over three years to expand civil society’s capacity to address social problems. This year, $7 million will support vulnerable Albertans during the pandemic and help build lasting solutions to pressing social challenges, some of which have been aggravated by the pandemic.

MARCH 31, 2021
Alberta.ca Employers and service providers can apply to receive free rapid test kits for use in their organization’s COVID-19 screening program.

The rapid testing program is open to any public, private or not-for-profit employer or service provider with an approved COVID-19 screening program overseen by an eligible health care provider.

MARCH 26, 2021
Children’s Services Caregiver Training Update Safe Babies March 26, 2021
WFD is pleased to let you know that the following training materials are now available: Safe Babies the Babysteps manual is now replaced with the Alberta Health Services ‘Healthy Parents Healthy Children resource which can be accessed online select ‘I’m a parent’ to access the resource guide

FEBRUARY 23, 2021
Tip Sheet_Critical Worker Benefit


FEBRUARY 18, 2021 CSS
Ken Dropko, MEd Memo Regarding Applications for Alberta Critical Worker Benefit

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an extraordinary impact on frontline service providers delivering supports to the most vulnerable Albertans. In appreciation for the continued efforts of frontline workers, the Government of Alberta recently announced the Alberta Critical Worker Benefit Program.  Additional information is available at: https://www.alberta.ca/critical-worker-benefit.aspx

February 1, 2021
FCSS Indigenous Caregiver Café Remote/Online

With the current social distancing practices in place, we know that it can get overwhelming. We are providing this opportunity to focus on:

  • Taking Care of Yourself
  • Being a Strong Parent/Caregiver
  • Building Positive Relationships with your children.

January 29, 2021
Alberta’s Government Will Continue The Current Service Model With Residential And Personal Care Facilities For People With Disabilities In Edmonton And Calgary.

News Release Supporting Services For Albertans With Disabilities January 29, 2021
There were 150 responses to the survey that was sent to the families and guardians of individuals using these facilities. Overall, the majority of respondents indicated they prefer to have their loved ones stay at the current locations, served by current staff. They indicated they are opposed to transitioning to new service providers. After reviewing the feedback and data, the government has decided to continue the current model of service delivery at these facilities. Read Full

November 2020

CS – FRN Interface between FRNs and Child Intervention High-level Implementation Plan November 2020

October 2021

ALIGN Communications Memo #42 October 2020 Includes Enhancement Policy Manual Update and GOA’s New Payment System

CS – Organizational Chart ECS October 5, 2020

CS – Organizational Chart CS Transitions and Intervention Supports October 5, 2020

CS – Organizational Chart Policy, Innovation and Indigenous Connections October 5, 2020

July 2020

COVID 19 – ALIGN Q and A Follow Up JULY 20, 2020

COVID 19 ALIGN Follow Up Q & A July 23, 2020

May 2020

PowerPoint May 20, 2020 CS Well Being and Resiliency Supporting Safe and Healthy Children and Families

March 2020

COVID 19 & CS – Information For Contract Service Providers Coronavirus (COVID-19) Child Intervention Response Update As Of 430 PM March 16, 2020

COVID 19 – ALIGN Update on Communication With CS March 19, 2021

COVID-19 – ALIGN Guide for Members March 2020

COVID – 19 – ALIGN Update To Members Regarding Collaboration with CS March 2020

OTHER

CS – CSS 2019-20 Budget Estimates

CS – CSS 2019-20 Ministry Business Plans

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Based out of Edmonton, we are a provincial collection of allies – a unified community of agencies that represents the diverse needs of Alberta’s children and families. We are proud to champion the work of our front line service providers and to support our members. Together, we are stronger.

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