Community Support Services

47 Dr McFETRIDGE (Morphett) (30 July 2015). In relation to Community Support Services Programs—

1. What is the Results Based Accountability outcomes framework utilised in community support services programs, has it been fully implemented and how many community support agencies are adhering to this requirement?

2. Which Community Support Services Programs have not implemented this framework?

The Hon. Z.L. BETTISON (Ramsay—Minister for Communities and Social Inclusion, Minister for Social Housing, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Youth, Minister for Volunteers): I have been advised:

1. Results Based Accountability (RBA) is a flexible evidence-based planning, evaluation and continuous improvement tool which the Department for Communities and Social Inclusion is using to measure the impact of government funding in the community sector.

RBA can be adapted to fit the unique needs and circumstances of different individuals, communities, programs and organisations. It offers a systematic approach to thinking and taking action that starts with defining the desired results and working backwards as a means of achieving them.

RBA is available at no charge to any agency that wants to use it. There are a small number of products developed by the founder of RBA available for purchase, however they are not mandatory to implement the RBA approach.

The Community Support Services Program is a statewide program commencing from 1 July 2015. The program will see 63 different community-based services provided by 32 agencies across South Australia. The services provided will target the six key areas of youth, families, community and neighbourhood development, life skills development, community hubs and low-income support.

All agencies are currently implementing the RBA framework and have selected appropriate performance measures to accurately record progress for their clients against the agreed outcomes for the Community Support Services Program.

The RBA framework includes a focus on continuous improvement to support services to achieve the best possible outcomes for all clients accessing the service. If required, agencies will receive further support and training to maximise the effectiveness of applying the RBA framework to service delivery and impact measurement.

2. All Community Support Services Programs have implemented this framework.