Investing In Youth’ is a unique national-scope conference taking place 25-26 July 2013 in Sydney CBO. It will bring together business leaders, Government decision-makers, NGOs and HR practitioners to discuss solutions to youth unemployment and underemployment.

The conference will focus on industrial, policy and practical issues surrounding youth in the workforce. Showcasing solutions which are good for business, youth and the community, employers and HR practitioners will hear relevant and innovative information on successful workforce development programs and industrial relations policy and practice to help their businesses harness the potential of all young people.

Find more information about our conference: speakers, agenda, early bird tickets, discounts...

“Don’t have sex, because you will get pregnant and die.  Don’t have sex in the missionary position, don’t have sex standing up . . . just don’t do it, promise?  OK, everybody take some rubbers”Coach Carr, Mean Girls, 2004.

On Wednesday 3rd April 2013, a youth forum on sexual health took place in Parliament House in Sydney, set up and run by young people from the NSW Youth Advisory Council, Young People’s Advisory Committee and health workers from a range of government and non-government organisations.  

YHMD from Kate Disher-Quill on Vimeo.

Background

In July 2012, the Department of Family and Community Services (FACS) announced Going Home, Staying Home, a program to reform specialist homelessness services in NSW.

At the announcement of Going Home Staying Home, Minister Pru Goward released a consultation paper, Future directions for specialist homelessness services (the consultation paper). The consultation paper outlines the NSW Government’s case for reform to specialist homelessness services and provides a number of potential ‘building blocks’ that will guide future directions.

FACS has invited comment on the consultation paper, with comments due before 31 August 2012.

This document summarises the components of the consultation paper and FACS’ case for reform. Yfoundations’ comments on the consultation paper are provided in a separate document that can be downloaded at: insert link

The consultation paper- Part One: Introduction and the case for reform

The first section outlines the need for specialist homelessness services (SHS) to be reformed and identifies a number of limitations with the current system. These include

a)    The large number of repeat users or ‘churning’ within SHS. The consultation paper identities that some reasons for repeat usage by clients is out of the hands of SHS. However it identifies the primary cause of churning as SHS focus on crisis accommodation rather than the provision of preventive measures and post-crisis support.

b)    Clients access to SHS is often fragmented and complex, which the consultation paper identifies as the by-product of multiple system barriers within SHS. Some of these barriers include: multiple entry points; inadequate processes to share client information and different assessment processes.

c)    The current design of SHS makes it difficult for clients to receive post-crisis support to maintain housing.

d)    The lack of effective service models that intervene early to prevent people from becoming homeless exacerbates the problems with a lack of affordable housing.

e)    The significantly constrained funding environment means there is a greater need to ensure that resources are targeted and effective. 

Part Two: Introduction and the case for reform

This part of the paper identifies a number of building blocks for reform of the SHS.

They include the following.

a)    Individualised approaches

The consultation paper identifies a need for greater emphasis on individual approaches to provide services with the ability to match individual needs to supports, increase client control over the types of supports they receive, provide greater portability of support arrangement and to increase focus on outreach to prevent homelessness.

b)    Streamlined access

The need to streamline access and improve intake procedures is the second building block for reform identified by the consultation paper.

The consultation paper identifies that streamlined access to SHS would enable clients to seek the same support procedures regardless of how they entered the system

c)    Better planning and resource allocation

This building block details the need for improved planning and resourcing allocation arrangements that provides for betters services across regions and increased flexibility in procurement arrangements.

d)    Promote and support quality improvements

The consultation paper identifies a number of potential reforms in this area including:

·       Quality assurance processes linked to existing standards;

·       Improved performance information;

·       Performance based contracts and;

·       Innovation funding to promote new ways of working.

e)    Industry and workforce development

Suggested strategies for industry and workforce development include the strengthening of peak body arrangements to support SHS participation in future reform arrangements.

Part Three: Partnering with the sector

This part of the consultation paper outlines the proposed governance structure for the reform process which includes the establishment of a panel of experts and conducting consultations with people experiencing homelessness.  For more detail on the governance structure, please see the table below).

Panel of Experts – A group of individuals with experience in the field of homelessness research who will provide advice to the Minister, the FACS executive and the Sector Reference Group.

Sector Reference Group- A group comprised of specialist homelessness peak organisations. Yfoundations is participating in this group.

The EOIs for the Innovation and Industry Development Funds opened on Friday afternoon and SHS providers have been advised by direct email.

A GHSH Reform Innovation Fund of $2 million is available to help SHS providers to redesign their services to align with the revised service delivery framework. An application form and Innovation Fund Guidelines are available as part of the EOI package on the ‘current’ section of Tenders NSW.  For more guidance on preferred service approaches, please see the Service Design Guidelines.