Alberta Home Visitation Network Association January 2007 Human Resources Crisis

Home Visitation Makes a Difference 73 AHVNA member agencies provide services to Alberta children and families In , – we helped 3,989 families – we made 36,535 home visits

Help Wanted Now! We have: a human resources crisis increased demand for services home visitation programs that are in jeopardy

Human Resources Crisis Difficult to recruit and retain staff High annual staff turnover (up to 40% in some agencies) 80% of managers to exit in five years Lack of qualified candidates applying Poor or no response to position ads

Factors Affecting Non-profit Sector Rising cost of living Rising operational costs More demand for services Staff unable to make ends meet No or minimal increase in salaries since 2000 Staff leaving for better paying jobs

Funding Issues for Visitation Programs $6.5* million invested annually in home visitation services No increase in funding since % lower salaries and benefits for non-profits vs others in sector

Looking Ahead We need to: Obtain realistic and equitable funding Seek support from corporate sectors Have input into long-term government policy strategies on funding

What We Need Now Increase in salaries and benefits to bring equity to the sector Adequate funding for cost of living Funding to meet increased demand

With Equitable Funding, We Can Accomplish Much Build early healthy attachments between parent and child Holistically nurture and support whole families Use family strengths Connect families with community resources Complement work of other agencies

Contact Information Alberta Home Visitation Network Association (AHVNA) 9321 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton, AB T5H 3T7 Phone: (780) Web: