Recommendation

Establish a database that has the capacity to identify current unmet need and indicate future need.

Community Programs is currently in the process of finalising a proposal for the establishment of a database which will assist in identifying unmet and future needs. There are major resource implications for the development and upkeep of a database. It is important that this is consistent with Division wide needs.

The Community Branch database requirements have been identified both in terms of changes arising out of regionalisation and future planning. They have been incorporated into the Department of Health and Community Care IT strategy work program.

Until more resources are available data collection will be confined to providing management support for existing services, rather than for testing unmet need.

That Residential Services develops a policy and procedures manual for the operation of the group homes, establishing guidelines for staff covering:

- residents' rights

- financial guidelines

- complaints procedure

- resident's personal finances, recreation, clothing etc

- parents' rights and responsibilities

- staff rights and responsibilities.

See comments against Recommendation 2.6.

See comments against Recommendation 2.6.

Management need to take some of the hard decisions aimed at improving service quality. They will need the support of their senior management to do so.

Achieving total quality management will be an integral part of the reform process. The Community Programs Branch will ensure all services it delivers, both funded and direct, meet the requirements of the DSA and the Standards.

See comments against Recommendations 1.0, 2.4, 2.5 and 3.4.