Release of the Supported Accommodation Evaluation Framework Guide

Ageing, Disability and Home Care (ADHC) is pleased to announce the release of the Supported Accommodation Evaluation Framework (SAEF) guide for service providers.

In 2013 ADHC engaged the Social Policy Research Centre (SPRC) to design an evaluation framework and collect data to assess the effectiveness of accommodation support and funding models across NSW.

As part of the project, SPRC was asked to develop best practice quality of life research tools as well as conduct up to 150 interviews with people with disability, their families and carers using a range of accommodation support and funding types, including the Supported Living Fund, Individual Accommodation Support Packages, drop-in support services, group homes and large residential centres.

SPRC was also asked to develop a guide to assist in evaluating accommodation support services for public release across the sector. The guide was developed with input from key stakeholders and includes a helpful step by step process including best practice and easy to use data collection tools.

In addition, the outcomes of the research identified examples of best practice in service delivery, such as:

• Creative facilitation of linkages in the community
• The use of a strength based person centred planning process that leads to achievable goals
• Being empathetic and supportive of each family’s adjustment to change
• Ensuring regular, clear communication with the person with disability and their network; and
• Effectively managing change within the organisation, including training and supervision of staff

For further information relating to the outcomes of the research including the best practice strategies, read the SAEF Summary report (PDF) and the SAEF guide for service providers (PDF).

If you would like further information about the research, please contact:

Katrina Armstrong, A/Director, ADHC at katrina.armstrong@facs.nsw.gov.au

Karen Fisher, Associate Professor, SPRC at karen.fisher@unsw.edu.au