Activities
Activities undertaken prior to the development of the Initiative
The purpose of the comprehensive research phase was to obtain a clear and precise understanding of the number of people in Victoria identified as having highly complex needs, their particular requirements and to identify effective service response options. The specific components of the research included:
- Profiling of the target group. This task comprised two elements- analysis of the data obtained from a case finding and nomination process, and detailed case studies based on a sample of the total target population.
- Analysis of population data - The analysis of the population data provided a high level understanding of the volume and nature of the target group. The data analysis also provided a detailed picture of the target group's particular needs, behaviours, and service utilisation patterns.
- Cluster analysis and case studies - A cluster analysis of the target population was undertaken by Bearing Point (previously KPMG Consulting) and identified six sub-populations based on demographic data, identified needs, and service usage. On the basis of these six identified clusters, project staff completed a minimum of two case studies for each cluster (21 case studies in total). These case studies provided information regarding longitudinal patterns of service utilisation, service response outcomes, and costs over time. The case studies also provided information on future service requirements for the sub-population clusters.
- Consultations. Relevant opinion leaders and key stakeholders from a range of government and non-government organisations and other bodies were engaged in the project's comprehensive consultation strategy. In addition to individual stakeholder interviews and regional consultation forums, two statewide forums were held in May and September 2002. The phases of the consultation strategy stimulated a high level of interest across the service sector. They also provided effective platforms for both issues identification and solution testing.
View the report "Responding to People with High and Complex Needs Project Summary of Consultation Findings" September 2002 [88kb, pdf]
- Literature review. A literature review highlighting the policy and service delivery challenges associated with responding to individuals in the target group was completed by Thomson Goodall Associates on behalf of the department in September 2002. The review examined relevant policy, legislation and practice models that have been introduced in other jurisdictions.
- Legal advice. The department commissioned legal advice to identify the strengths and weaknesses of current Victorian legislative frameworks that define service provision to the target group. The advice also proposed a legislative framework to support a proposed service response for the target group. Additional advice was also obtained regarding relevant national and international legislation.
- The proposed service response. Based on the project's research and findings, a strategic framework for the future management, funding and delivery of service responses to the target population has been completed. The strategic framework and preconditions for its success were detailed in the final report.
- Business case. The development of a business case was completed in February 2003. The document discussed the target population and their needs, issues currently encountered in providing an adequate service response to this group, the key elements of the service response framework and a rationale for this option. It presented a financial model to support the service response framework and a cost-benefit analysis. It also identified the future resource requirements for implementation of the proposed model.
View the report "Responding to people with multiple and complex needs Phase one report" July 2003 [302kb, pdf]