Integrating service delivery in a regional homelessness service system

Abstract

All tiers of government in Australia are focused on service integration as a key response to homelessness. However, service integration strategies need to consider particular service system characteristics and location‐specific conditions. This paper reports on an investigation of service integration strategies suitable for a regional context undertaken in 2010 and 2011. A three‐phase participatory action research (PAR) framework was utilised to collect data about the homelessness service system in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, and about the existing and potential service integration strategies in the region. The findings suggest that strategies for better integration should take into account specific local conditions and be developed and implemented at a local level with support from government. The paper concludes by presenting an argument that the development and implementation of strategies should be based on a place‐based assessment of demand and suitability.

‘Improvement focused’ evaluation of place-based initiatives: An examination of three methodologies

“…Underpinning principles of the mechanism were also identified. Cook (2004), Gamble (2012) and Neale, Buultjens, and Evans (2012) noted the importance of stakeholders working collaboratively to undertake this process. Bazos and colleagues (2013), Cook (2004) and Neale and colleagues (2012) all highlighted the pivotal role that data plays in the process, from identifying the problem to assessing the impact of the solution.…”

“…Gamble (2012) highlighted the methodology’s facilitation of ‘collaborative and community-based learning’ (p. 52) that enabled stakeholders to become ‘more focused and targeted’ (p.54) in their selection of strategies. In the Integrating Service Delivery initiative, the participatory nature of action research was credited with the identification, implementation and ongoing sustainability of strategies (Neale et al, 2012). Bazos and colleagues (2013) and Gamble (2012) stated that the use of the methodology had led to stakeholders’ increased motivation around the initiative.…”

“…In addition to the impact on the initiative, action research was found to lead to stronger relationships between service providers and agencies (Bazos et al, 2013; Cook, 2004), more formal service integration (Neale et al, 2012) and increased action research capacity amongst stakeholders (Bazos et al, 2013). Cook (2004) credited action research with enhancing participants’ confidence in their professional roles through the ‘examination of their own practice’ (p.87).…”

Designing tools for ‘joined up’ homelessness prevention: Insights from one case study

“…Yet, service integration is challenging to both achieve and sustain (Bryson, Crosby, & Stone, 2006). As in the case of homelessness intervention, the need for integration typically arises out of and exists within complex and resource scarce environments, where single‐service responses are not enough (Bryson et al., 2006), and requires the coordination of agencies with different processes, funding cycles, and information management systems (Neale, Buultjens, & Evans, 2012).…”

Tisser des liens pour aider des sans-abri : des relations de première ligne en action

“…Dans l'aide aux sans-abri ii , les relations interorganisationnelles et intersectorielles entre les praticiens de première ligne apparaissent souvent comme personnalisées et peu formalisées, que ce soit au Québec 1, 2, 3 ou ailleurs au Canada 4 , en Australie 5,6 et aux États-Unis 7,8 . Au moins deux positions émergent à leur sujet.…”