GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

Governments today are inundated with requests for funding. But there is only so much to go around.

Governments must make tough decisions when groups with interests in education, health care, environment, social services and others, are at their doorstep looking for more. All sectors have legitimate demands but they cannot all be met.

Government decisions are based on various factors, but often the final decision is in response to the advocacy efforts of various groups representing their sector.

Family Service Ontario (FSO) is the voice for vulnerable families in Ontario who are served by our member Family Service agencies. Bringing the needs of these families to the attention of government is one of the most important roles played by FSO.
 

RECENT INITIATIVES

Family Service Ontario is active on a number of issues including:

	Lobbying for the restoration of core government funding for family
	counselling that was eliminated in 1995
	Seeking increased funding for member agencies as part of the
	government’s new Domestic Violence Action Plan
	Seeking support for the Families and Schools Together (F&ST)
	program
	Ensuring that Family Service agencies are included in the roll out of current reform of child welfare
	Lobbying for funding and support for families on Ontario Works
	Advising member agencies on the latest details and implications of new legislation, such as the Psychotherapy Act
	Providing input to the 5-year review of the Social Workers and Social Service Workers (SWSSW) Act

PHILOSOPHY
We believe that working with government to meet the needs of our member agencies and the families they serve is the most effective long-term strategy.
	developing the knowledge we need to talk to governments effectively
	building relationships based on trust and realistic expectations
	talking with the whole range of decision-makers, from bureaucrats to key politicians, and those who advise them
	developing internal support from FSO agencies and staff
	staying proactive instead of reacting to government announcements

ACTIVITIES
Government relations activities include:
	writing briefs
	participating in the budget consultations
	meeting with senior elected officials and bureaucrats and inviting them to attend our events
	organizing letter writing campaigns
	participating in coalitions and partnerships
	publishing a regular government relations newsletter (Family Pulse)
	developing news releases and holding press conferences
	advising member agencies on local political action

For more information about Family Service Ontario’s government relations initiatives, please contact the FSO Executive Director jellis@familyserviceontario.org