Changes for disability service providers
Information on this page:
- Introduction of independent monitoring Updated January 2009
- Changes to Integrated Quality Management Approach reporting
- Disability Self Assessment System should not be used
- Policy context and legislative framework
Introduction of independent monitoring
Updated January 2009
The Quality Framework assists disability service providers to build and deliver quality services for people with a disability. Independent monitoring is an integral component of the Quality Framework that confirms, independently, the quality of disability service provision.
Independent monitoring will verify if disability service providers, both department-managed and community service organisations (CSOs), are complying with the Standards for Disability Services in Victoria. Audits will be carried out by certification bodies that are independent of all parties (disability service providers and the Department of Human Services as a funding body).
Commencement of independent monitoring will follow evaluation of the demonstration project running in the Barwon South-Western region between April to June 2009.
Changes to the Integrated Quality Management Approach reporting
Disability service providers will continue to submit an Integrated Quality Management Approach (IQMA) report annually until they have participated in independent monitoring.
With the introduction of independent monitoring, the IQMA reporting process will be phased out over the period 2009–2012.
Monitoring of service provider performance against other service agreement obligations - for instance, outputs and service targets, complaints and incident reporting, etc. - will continue.
Disability Self Assessment System should not be used
The Disability Self Assessment System (DSAS) does not cater for assessment against the Outcome Standards and is no longer supported by the department.
Disability service providers should cease using DSAS to self-assess and adopt a self-assessment process that has the capacity to assess compliance with both the Industry Standards and Outcome Standards.
The Quality Framework Resource Guide has information and tools to assist disability service providers to undertake assessment against both Industry Standards and Outcome Standards.
Policy context and legislative framework
The Victorian State Disability Plan 2002–2012 identifies that mechanisms to measure, monitor and continually improve the quality of support for people with a disability are integral to ensuring high quality, accountable and accessible health and community services for Victorians who have a disability.
From July 2007, the Disability Act 2006 became the governing legislation for disability service providers in Victoria. The Act includes the requirement to comply with the Standards, which include the Industry Standards and Outcome Standards. The Secretary of the Department of Human Services is authorised under the Act to monitor the performance of disability service providers in meeting these Standards.
Disability service providers in Victoria are expected to comply with these Standards from July 2007 and from 2009, independent monitoring for compliance against the Standards will be introduced.