COMMITTEES:
Quality of Care and Business Enhancement Committee
This committee seeks out and arranges speakers, seminars and workshops for association meetings, short conferences and our annual conference. All relevant and leading facets of service and quality of care are continuously reviewed and appropriate contacts, speakers, therapists and information are expeditiously utilized for the benefit of the membership. The committee also arranges training sessions that would be of benefit to all levels of member agencies and their staff. The committee liases with associations, organizations, research/training centres and groups throughout North America in its quest for leading and respected service and quality of care improvements for all association members.
Business methods and tools are continuously analysed and important subjects and methods brought to the membership's attention at meetings, seminars and through the association's "information loop".
Constant improvements to the business environment and alternatives for members are pursued, such as new insurance packages.
Research Committee
The research committee is called upon by all committees when required. Primarily the committee concentrates on other jurisdictions, delivery methods, quality of care, outcomes analysis, statistics, accumulation of data, articles, information and research from all sources for benefit of the membership through the on-line computer library being established. This information is constantly reviewed and discussed by the executive as well as important subjects distributed to all members for both informational purposes as well as discussion or policy purposes.
Strategic Planning and Liaison Committee
Members of this committee are charged with strengthening the position of Ontario's OPR Sector for both the present and the future within Ontario's Child Welfare System. Current areas of OPR strengths and weaknesses are constantly reviewed and dealt with in a manner so as to best utilize and improve the strengths while fixing or dealing with weaknesses. The association will thereby strive to continuously improve the quality of care, methods, outcomes and cost-efficiency of the OPR Sector.
The committee must not just be aware, and keep the membership aware, of present and ongoing Legislation or Legislative, CAS or Ministry endeavours, but must anticipate and thereby shape changes in the future for benefit of the children and youth in care, the Ontario Taxpayer and Public as well as the OPR Sector.
The committee is responsible for attaining, and being in a position to properly and expeditiously utilize, contacts, lawyers, researchers, consultants, politicians, lobbyists and media when required to aid in the objectives described.
Meetings and Conference Committee
All planning, organization and logistics for association meetings or presentations are the responsibility of this committee. Overall policy and theme/agenda items are decided by the Executive and at times by the membership for each meeting or presentation. The committee, having been given the parameters to work within, must then organize, promote, staff and produce a successful meeting or presentation. The annual conference or any "mini-conferences" are handled in the same manner by the committee.
Membership Committee
The membership committee liases with all non-member Foster and Group OPRs and organises membership drives several times a year. Other members are encouraged to aid in this endeavour in their particular area of the province. Questionnaires and feedback from the membership are also the committee's responsibility, as well as communication to all members and non-member OPRs.
Executive Officers
The executive officers are charged with the day-to-day operations of the association but must take overall key direction from the Board of Executive Directors. Teleconferences with all executive and the board take place regularly to facilitate operations and maintain consensus.
Executive Directors
Executive Directors are elected by the entire general membership and supervise as well as formulate association operations and policy. Major association policy initiatives or plans must have consensus of the general membership.
Regional Supervisors
Each region of the province is represented by a non-voting Regional Supervisor who keeps the association apprised of the local issues, news and concerns. The Regional Supervisors are also responsible for liaison with local area association members, voicing their concerns and arranging local association meetings.
Liaisons
Liaisons with a number of respected parties are meant to be constantly utilized giving their expertise, suggestions, contacts and opinions. A broad cross-section appropriate to our OPR Sector and the association's goals has been assembled and will be expanded as needed.