Foreword
This report is a summary of the final evaluation report by ARTD Consultants of, what is now titled, the Young Carers Respite and Information Services Program. It was prepared by the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs to inform stakeholders about key findings and for feedback about how the program is being delivered nationally.
Following the evaluation, many changes were implemented for the 2008-09 financial year, including revised program guidelines and reporting requirements.
Our thanks to all those who participated in the evaluation and to ARTD Consultants for their valuable work.
Acknowledgements
This work was commissioned by the Australian Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs.
We would also like to thank the young carers who participated in the review, and the many key stakeholders from Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centres and Carers Australia. We thank them for their time and insights and trust that their views are adequately represented in this report.
ARTD Consultancy Team
Wendy Hodge, Kerry Hart, Marita Merlene, Ofir Thaler and Carlo Jacobson.