Presenters : Paul Quinnell Regional Quality of Care Coordinator

1. “MORE BANG FOR THE BUCK”Collaborative decision making betweencare agencies and Department of Human Services in the Hume Region. Berry Street Upper Murray Family Care Adoption & Permanent Care Central Hume Support Rumbalara Presenters : Paul Quinnell Regional Quality of Care Coordinator Department of Human Services Hume Region Patrice Jackson Manager Foster Care Berry Street Hume Region

2. “A flexible response to a changing service system”Background: • 1995 Recurrent Flexi-Pak funding distributed to regions • Distribution of grants funds based on application to the department manager responsible for the child resulting in inconsistency of approvals with no common criteria or policy • 1998 Hume region grants panel formed to utilise Flexi-Paks as a component of support for many individual clients rather than funding a total care package for a few. • Available funding split between agencies and services ( Placement Support Grants ) and Flexi Pak panel.

3. The PanelsThe panels comprise of managers of each home based care service in the region, the manager from the Placement and Contracting team and the manager of the Adoption and Permanent Care team. The panels are chaired by the Regional Quality of Care Coordinator. • Flexi Pak panel Assesses grant applications from agencies or the department for children in foster care, kinship care, pre adoption and pre permanent care. • Specialised Home Based Care Panel Decides on and reviews care payment funding levels above general care payments for children in home based foster care

4. Why do it this way? • Promotes a shared vision between agencies and the department for equity in funding. • Ensures more children and young people have access to flexi-pak support • Allows agencies, staff, carers and children to work creatively and collaboratively to enhance care situations • Allows transparency of care targets and consistency of care level payments across the region

5. Flexi-Paks • Tend to focus on big ticket items e.g., housing extensions, vehicles, family assessment and therapy, specialised therapy programs, assistance in academic or sporting excellence, and carer support. • Applications can be made to the panel by agencies, child protection or adoption and permanent care services.

6. Home Based Care Grants Panel TARGETS : Based on overall funding allocation • 60% General • 30% Intensive I & II • 10% Complex I & II

7. Home Based Care Grants Panel Levels of Care • General • Intensive 1 [ Recommended by agency • Intensive 2 ratified by the panel. ] • Complex 1 { Assessed by Strengths and • Complex 2 Difficulties tool and ratified by the Panel}

8. What’s in it for the child • Meets child’s needs flexibly • Encourages stability • Expands options • Provides opportunities for excellence

9. What’s in it for the carer • Ability to better meet child’s needs • Improves physical resource e.g., extra room, bigger vehicle, air conditioning • Acknowledgement of contribution

10. What’s in it for the service system • Expands resources • Better matching opportunities • Happier carers • Stable placements • Respect between agencies and department

11. Service System Collaboration • Win – Win • Equality and equity • Transparency • Mutual problem solving • Respect and relationship building

12. The Flexi Pak and Home Based Care Committees are part of a number of panels and committees that provide an holistic and collaborative approach to the management of the Out of Home Care system in the Hume Region

13. “More Bang For The Buck” • QUESTIONS?

14. Contact details • Paul Quinnell Quality of Care Coordinator Hume Region Department of Human Services Victoria Ph. 0357220500 • Patrice Jackson Manager Home Based Care Berry Street Hume Region Ph. 035882100