Department of Human Services Standards
The department has integrated its quality standards to streamline and improve measurement and performance for community service organisations. The standards were launched by the Minister for Health, Women's Affairs and Community Services, Mary Wooldridge in June this year and copies are available from this site.
Download the Department of Human Services Standards (pdf, 1.2mb).
Development of evidence guide
The standards evidence guide has been developed in close collaboration with community service organisations, advocacy and peak bodies over the last six months. The guide will assist service providers prepare for and participate in internal and external reviews of standards. The evidence guide will also be used by independent review bodies to conduct reviews.
The guide will be published online shortly and will be available on the Department of Human Services Standards page.
Scope for independent reviews
Funded Organisations that receive ongoing funding to deliver direct client services such as counselling or accommodation services, will normally be within scope for independent review from July 2012. A fact sheet providing information on the scope of independent review is available on the Department of Human Services Standards page.
Transition to the Department of Human Services Standards
From July 2012, funded organisations in scope will be externally reviewed every three years by an independent review body. The review is aimed at demonstrating compliance with the Department of Human Services Standards and the governance and management standards of the approved independent review body.
The current Standards for Disability Services in Victoria, the Registration Standards for Community Service Organisations and the Homelessness Assistance Services Standards and their related quality review processes will continue to apply to 30 June 2012.
Transition rules have been developed for disability services organisations that have not completed a review in relation to the Disability Services in Victoria and for those organisations that have two or more reviews scheduled prior to 30 June 2012. Information about the transition arrangements for independent review requirements is available on this site.
More communication about the approved independent review bodies will be provided in 2012.
For more information about the standards or the guide contact your program and service adviser or telephone Jennifer Doherty on 9096 2166 over the Christmas period. From Wednesday 4 January contact Susan Whitelaw on 9096 2709 or email dhsstandards@dhs.vic.gov.au.
Go to In focus issue 9 main page
