Page 2653 - Week 06 - Thursday, 24 June 2010

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Questions without notice taken on notice

Family and youth services—Wednesday, 5 May 2010

MS BURCH: During question time yesterday I was asked a question by Ms Bresnan in relation to the Family Services Program and Youth Services Program and when the timeline for tendering information will become available.

The sector was advised at a meeting with the Department in August 2009 that funding of current services would continue until new agreements are in place. This meeting was the first step in a process of consultation. 27 organisations were represented on this occasion at which a presentation was given by the Department and organisations were able to ask questions. The extension of funding agreements was confirmed in a letter to all the funded organisations in October 2009.

A monthly newsletter is sent to all the funded organisations in the Youth and Family Support Programs updating on the process. The latest edition of this newsletter also confirmed the extension of funding. Letters are currently being prepared for distribution in the next week which advise organisations that agreements are to be extended from June 2010 for up to 12 months to allow for the consultation and procurement process to be finalised.

In addition a number of organisations are being written to advising them that they will be subject to a single select process which will coincide with the tendering of the rest of the program. These are organisations that are highly specialised in their service provision.

The period for written submissions to the consultation discussion paper was extended at the request of some of the organisations and closed on 22 March 2010. 16 submissions were received, representing the views of 32 services. In addition to this,
four forums were held in February 2010 to which funded organisations were invited. 84 people attended representing 25 Non-Government organisations. The views represented through this process are diverse and sometimes contradictory. The Department is currently analysing the feedback.

The Department is now considering the need for an extended period of consultation to allow for discussion of a new framework of services which recognises and allows for flexible funding and service provision in relation to both young people and families. The combined funding for the Youth and Family Support Program is $8.5 Million. These programs have not been comprehensively reviewed for a number of years, and it is important that any changes to the pattern of services to vulnerable Canberrans be subject to careful consideration. The aim of this process is to achieve the best outcomes possible for vulnerable families and young people within the available resources.

Following this consultation, a draft framework will be developed and circulated to the sector to obtain feedback. The procurement process will be commenced. It is the aim of the Department to have new funding agreements in place early in 2011.


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