Human Services in focus newsletter - December 2011
Issue 9
Welcome to a new issue of human services in focus.
In this last issue for the year, I want to reflect on our partnership with community service organisations, review key achievements of the year and consider the challenges still ahead around creating client-centric services, reforming the human services system and developing a sustainable whole of sector workforce.
At the heart of our partnership is a human services system that unites the work we do around a common purpose, our clients. The Victorian Government’s transfer of youth, disability, women and community renewal functions coupled with a state budget allocation of more than $902.5 million (and $2 million in capital projects) earlier this year recognises our shared roles in reducing client disadvantage. This substantial investment means there is ongoing work to do and our shared approach to system reform is critical for delivering high quality statewide services.
Next year we look forward to celebrating a ten-year anniversary of the formal agreement with the health, housing and community services sector. A new Memorandum of Understanding will include additional partners and we will be signing a new three-year Service Agreement.
The Human Services Partnership Implementation Committee (HSPIC) has been important in facilitating the exchange of information about issues affecting the industry and a shared strategic approach to practical solutions. Our last topic for the year on 14 December – Realising our potential, department, sector and community – provided insightful and stimulating discussion around the challenges of working together to improve the economic and social participation of people with limited resources, access and opportunities.
One DHS is aiming to create a new case management system and service delivery model. The announcement of Human Services: The case for change at HSPIC follows sector feedback and outlines our common vision of a service system which supports and protects the vulnerable as its first priority, which is client-centred and demonstrably achieves improved outcomes for clients, to reduce disadvantage in Victoria in the long term.
Changing a system that has been in place for many years is challenging. It has been gratifying to see our collaboration is delivering tangible results. Creating client-centric services means breaking down silos, supporting early intervention and creating a fresh approach to integrated services. Feedback from the sector and the One DHS organisational review will support a better human services industry.
In 2012, the new service delivery model will be trialled at two concept sites in Southern Metropolitan Region and Barwon South Western Region. The model will see clients being supported by a key worker, a more effective needs identification approach, a client-directed planning process and support to build clients’ capabilities and help them achieve greater self-management over the longer term.
The Client Services Charter was launched after sector engagement and consultation captured our shared commitment to clients. It speaks to the service-oriented culture we want to create. The Charter gives our shared workforce and clients a consistent set of expectations for service excellence founded on respect, safety, privacy, fair process and participation.
We have also recognised that focusing on quality and improved client outcomes relies on streamlined systems that in turn provide effective performance measurement and information for sector organisations. Our collaboration with the sector on the Department Human Services Standards has been a major achievement. The benefits to all will be reduced red tape and an easier client focus.
The new Department of Human Services Standards will be implemented with sector organisations progressively in the new year through to 1 July 2012. Community service organisations can look forward to a greater focus on direct care and less time spent on reviews which will be reduced to once every three years. New processes will provide streamlined accreditation, monitoring and evaluation.
System improvements, like the new Service Agreement Module on the Funded Agency Channel have been in place for a few months now. Organisations are able to access timely and up-to-date information about funding and payments. The self-service approach makes it easier for our partners to stay informed about agreements, payments and documentation required by the department. Our department website, also the product of extensive sector and client feedback now provides a friendly one-stop-shop for information and improved client interface. System improvements flowing on from sector feedback will continue.
Building the capacity of a sustainable human services industry workforce is critical to respond to changing demographics and future client demands.
The Protecting Children, changing lives and Child Protection workforce: a case for change made it possible to develop a range of significant reforms to better support the Victorian child protection workforce. Changes to the system will improve outcomes for vulnerable children and families. These initiatives mark critical steps in creating a system relevant to today’s needs. Early in 2012, we can expect to see the outcomes of the Vulnerable Children Inquiry due late January.
After six months of collaboration with the sector, the Community Sector Workforce Knowledgebase Project will be implemented next year. For the first time, the sector will collect data to understand its workforce and plan for services. The data will also form the base for a whole of human services industry workforce strategy and development plan.
The other issue involving workforce is the fair pay case for community sector workers. So far, the Fair Work Australia workplace relations tribunal has recognised a significant pay gap, however further submissions on the size of the pay increase are still being negotiated. The national importance of the case and a solution to complex issues will have important ramifications for the government and non-government workforce.
Our shared aspiration is building the capacity, opportunity and capability of our clients to participate, socially and economically in our community. There have been many examples over the past year of initiatives, events and good news stories that demonstrate how we are making a difference to vulnerable Victorians. Examples of programs include men’s sheds; support for women’s leadership; community participation; career mentoring and support services for young people; supporting refugee minors; carer card discounts and concessions for low-income households.
Over the past year, a large resource has gone into emergency recovery for flood-affected communities. The impacts of extreme weather events like the floods have led the department to improve the Personal Hardship Grants and make them simpler and easier to assess and administer. We have also worked closely with Red Cross to promote the Bushfires: Preparing to Leave Early Guide. For vulnerable Victorians in our community, the safest option is to support them to plan and leave early.
The department has been working to prepare for implementation of the Senior Practitioner’s direction on physical restraint. Effective from 1 January 2012 the direction prohibits certain types of physical restraint on people with a disability to protect and support the physical wellbeing of this vulnerable group.
Additionally, a set of electronic resources in response to service providers' requests will help those in the disability sector better understand the Disability Act 2006 and associated policies. The Victorian Government is also working to make the National Disability Insurance Scheme a reality. Work over the next two years is set to revolutionise the way services are funded and provided to people with disability, their families and carers and enable them to plan for the future.
Our annual events overall reflect our vision of improving the lives of Victorians in need. The first Disability Sector Awards in April celebrated improving the lives of people with a disability. Our strong focus on NAIDOC Week and annual Reconciliation Action Plans continue building relationships with partner Aboriginal organisations and communities. The Robin Clark Memorial Awards, which recognise and celebrate excellence during National Child Protection Week, this year, highlighted the Aboriginal Carer of the Year. The annual Penington Award recognises hard working volunteers from our public and social housing communities. The efforts of these clients foster community wellbeing and recognition is a positive and rewarding experience for clients, their families and friends.
Our growing partner network now includes new housing associations and the philanthropic sector, both not-for-profit and corporate philanthropic organisations. Their engagement is important in building a new human services system. The recent allocation of $25 million under the Homelessness Action Plan recognises the importance of specialist and mainstream collaboration in delivering affordable, stable and innovative housing solutions that reduce the risk of homelessness and improve client outcomes.
Enjoy the December issue and thank you for your support over this year. Creating contemporary human services promises all of us rewarding work ahead. Our next issue of human services in focus will be published in February 2012. Until then, I wish you a happy festive season with loved ones and a safe relaxing break.
I encourage you to follow us on twitter.com/VicGovDHS.
Please share this e-newsletter with colleagues and give us feedback at humanservicesinfocus@dhs.vic.gov.au.
Gill Callister
Secretary
Department of Human Services
In this issue ...
- Human Services: The case for change
- Department of Human Services Standards
- Realising our potential: HSPIC Partnering Dialogues
- Community Sector Workforce Knowledgebase Project: test completed
- A SecondBite at the cherry
- Outstanding volunteers
- Opening of Drill Hall
- Learning resources to support Disability Act 2006: two new resources now available
- Stories from the South
- White Ribbon Day - eliminating violence against women
- Giving voice
- Expansion of successful diversion program for young offenders
- Growth in need for refugee services for young people
- Independent visitors for Victoria's youth justice centres
- Our Children Our Future
- Breathing new life into Norlane
- Bushfires: Leaving early is our safest option!
- International day of people with a disability: a day to remember
- $12.3 million in Engage! grants
- Working together to reduce homelessness: $25 million for Innovation Action Projects
- New changes to Victoria's Personal Hardship Assistance Program
- Creating Modernised and Inclusive Neighbourhood Houses 2011-12
