Question
Who will a National Quality Framework apply to?
Answer
It is anticipated that a National Quality Framework will apply to organisations that provide services to, or work with people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. This includes specialist homelessness services as well as mainstream and allied services. Mainstream and allied services might include Centrelink, public and social housing providers, community health centres, hospitals, prisons, mental health services and drug and alcohol services.
The way in which a National Quality Framework applies to mainstream and allied services may be different to the way it is applied to specialist services. It might for example, link into existing quality systems in the mainstream and allied services sectors to ensure they effectively identify and deliver services to people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Or alternatively, similar outcomes might be achieved by a quality framework that includes service charters for mainstream and allied services that commit them to providing quality services to people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
Question
When will a National Quality Framework be implemented?
Answer
The process and timeframes for implementing a National Quality Framework will depend on what options for improving quality are chosen. The initial consultations were the first step in understanding what is important in delivering quality services. Feedback from these consultations will inform a second round of consultations at which options and timelines will be discussed. It is expected that after the second round of consultations have been completed, we will have identified preferred options for a quality framework and the timeframes and support that will be required for its successful implementation.
Question
How will a National Quality Framework improve outcomes for people who are experiencing homelessness?
Answer
A National Quality Framework will support organisations to achieve on-going improvement and better integration of the services they deliver to people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. This will assist people, including those with multiple and complex needs, to get the help and support they need when they need it and improve their long term outcomes. A quality framework aims to focus services on responding effectively to clients’ needs in all aspects of service delivery.
Question
My service is already subject to the requirements of another quality framework, will this be recognised or will a National Quality Framework add another layer of requirements?
Answer
We understand that many of the services currently working with people who are homeless already participate in some form of quality system. One of the key outcomes of these consultations will be a better understanding of what works well in current systems and how to build on these existing good practices in the development of a National Quality Framework.
We believe that a national framework should not place an unreasonable administrative burden on service providers so minimising red tape will be a major consideration in its development. One option is to build a mechanism into a National Quality Framework that recognises service providers’ achievements in existing quality systems. We will talk to other quality regulators to understand how best to do this.
Question
How can our organisation be involved in the development of the National Quality Framework?
Answer
Organisations delivering services to people experiencing or at risk of homelessness – mainstream, allied and specialist services - can be involved in the development of the National Quality Framework through the national consultations process.
The consultations are a two stage process and the first stage is now complete. This stage explored ideas on what quality service provision is, introduced the concept of a National Quality Framework and gathered feedback on the components it may include. The outcomes of these consultations will be made public by 30 June 2010.
The outcomes will inform the development of possible options for a National Quality Framework, which will form the basis of a discussion paper that will be released later in 2010. A second round of consultations to be held later this year will be based on the discussion paper.
Question
Will the government provide support to services to assist with the transition to, and ongoing requirements of, the National Quality Framework?
Answer
The scope, nature and content of a National Quality Framework have yet to be decided. It is expected that after the second round of consultations have been completed, we will have identified preferred options for a quality framework. The issue of sector support including training needs and development of resources, will be explored as part of the second round of consultations.