Communications Memo #20
For Immediate Release
May 5, 2020
Dear Members,

New Children Service Practice Guidance

Attached is the new CS Practice Guidance with a new and improved format.

The Service Provider and Caregiver Guidance has been added to Caseworker
Guidance so it is all in one very easy to navigate document and now has a Table
of Contents that is easily searched (and all of the below documents can be
removed from the portal).
  • CI Practice Guidance
  • Caregiver Guidance
  • SFAA Guidance
  • Assessment of Harm and Danger Guidance
  • Criminal Record Checks
  • Staff Safety

CS also took a couple of sections out of the FAQ document and embedded it in
the guidance (or removed duplication):
  • Adoption and Private Guardianship
  • SFP
  • Respite/Relief (removed as it is in the caregiver section of the guidance)

We want to remind you that as this is an ever evolving document, so discourage
folks from printing copies as we know the information can change daily.

Always refer to the Covid-19 Children’s Services Directives page on the ALIGN
website for the most current version.

Other Highlights :

There is an introduction page before the table of contents which will highlight any
changes that are made in the document when it is updated, and those changes
will also be highlighted in the relevant section.
Any new pieces with have a big “new” sticker while updates will have an “update”
sticker.
There are instructions for searching the document for specific information on the
intro page.
Each chapter has an easy “return to table of content” button so folks can easily
get back to the start.

Chapters also have relevant links and websites embedded at the end so folks
can easily get access to the information they are looking for.
 
Additions to this guidance:
  • Addition of SFP and Adoption and Private Guardianship chapters – not
  • new content just moved from FAQ
  • Addition of expanded SFAA guidance
  • Addition of Medical Appointments

Follow-up:
  • CS is working out the page numbering system. Instead of having consistent page numbers (e.g. 1-50), each chapter has their own page numbers.
  • They hope to have that figured out for the next update.

Please find the new CS Practice Guidance here: https://conta.cc/3b4SKLF
Q and As’ regarding the orders for Personal Protective
Equipment:

Q: Are orders automatically renewed or do we have to reapply again?
 
A: If your two-week order is entirely filled, then you will have to apply again once
it starts running low. If the two-week order is not filled, then POC logistics will
continue to track that until it is filled. SO THAT MEANS AGENCIES SHOULD
BEGIN APPLYING NOW .
 
Q: What is the process for checking on the status of orders?
 
A: All requests for PPE are now going into the CRM system and the inventory is
controlled by the Provincial Operations Centre (POC). POC is making every effort
to disperse the stock from their warehouse and they are working diligently to
satisfy all requests. 
 
   If you have questions or queries about what has been delivered or is on the
list for delivery, please send an e-mail to [email protected] and
[email protected]  for clarity. This email address can be shared with
external stakeholders .
 

Q: The question about overage issues ( SO THE ORDER NOT MATCHING WHAT
WAS DELIVERED ) has not been answered yet – all areas have been advised to
follow the following procedures until POC have developed a process.
What is the process when a service provider receives PPE they have not
ordered?

A: Some areas have reported receiving PPE which they had not requested and do
not need.
There is no current process in place for dealing with overages. The Executive
Director of AEMA did reassure us that payment would not be required for items
which had not been requested.
Until POC is aware of the extent of the problem EMBCS (EMT) recommends the
following actions:
  • Separate and do not use the overages.
  • Keep a copy of the original paper showing what you requested.
  • Keep a copy of the paperwork you received with your order highlighting any
  • deficiencies.

If you have been made aware of any overages please email us at:
[email protected] . We will report the issues to the POC. If
there are isolated cases, they will be dealt with on an individual basis. However, if
the problem is wide spread a process will likely be put in place.
 
Resources

Volunteer Management and Covid-19 free webinar on Thursday May 14, 2020 .

Presented by Volunteer Canada, this webinar will explore the following questions
in an open and engaging discussion:
  • How do we ensure the safety of volunteers while supporting vulnerable people?
  • How can we transition to more virtual volunteer roles?
  • How can we keep volunteers engaged while programs and services are suspended?
  • How can we address the social isolation felt by many individuals in this time of physical distancing?

Webinar Information

Date: Thursday, May 14 at 1pm ET / 10am PT (webinar is one hour in length)
Audience: Nonprofit leaders and professionals, managers of volunteers, and
boards of directors.
Cost: Free –  Register Now
Please remember that staying current regarding information from Alberta Health Services and Government is necessary in this pandemic and you can find all the current information you need at this link  https://www.alberta.ca/news.aspx.
Thank you,

Rhonda Barraclough, Executive Director
ALIGN Association of Community Services
780-428-3660 |  [email protected]
Cell: 780 233 5459
#255 Bonnie Doon Centre
8330 82 Avenue
Edmonton, AB T6C 4E3