1. Service Integration in a regional homelessness service system Overview of a joint research project between Northern Rivers Social Development Council and the Regional Futures Institute, SCU Funded under the National Homelessness Research Fund

2. “In developing the [Homelessness Action] Plan, the NSW Government has prioritised cross-agency collaboration”. “[The Plan seeks to] build the capacity of the overall service system and workforce to deliver integrated responses” NSW HOMELESSNESS ACTION PLAN 2010-2014 Service Integration – Central To NSW Homelessness Policy

3. ..... linking, collaborating, networking, coordinating, cooperating, connecting, interacting, sharing, partnering, working together..... Service Integration

4. What service integration practices work in regional areas? What are the enablers and barriers to service integration in a regional setting? What is the potential for increased cross sector integration in a regional setting? Research Questions

5. Identified Service integration Strategies Service Level Agreements Mous Tenancy support services Co-location of services Sector website Networks/interagencies Integrated case management Shared training Reconnect Housing Pathways Consortiums Health outreach teams Peer Service Reviews Supported housing HASI Service hubs Cross sector partnerships

7. Competition for resources Time constraints Tight eligibility Access to information Access to transport Lack of trust/support with real estate agents Securing commitment of senior staff Fear of increased demand ‘opening the flood gate’ Difficulty maintaining links Other Barriers

8. (ranke 1. Regular communication, networking, relationship building opps 2.Partnership agreements and MOUs 3. Access to current service information 4. Access to housing Willingness to work collaboratively Joint planning Access to & involvement of government personnel Coordinated case management and referral 5. Dedicated coordination facilitators Critical factors (ranked)

9. Integrated Case Management Networks including web- assisted information & communication Tools Project based working groups Service hubs Integrated Aboriginal and Mainstream Services Service integration Priorities (stage 3)

10. SI strategies employed in NR – operational level, relationship driven, support-only Not about ‘what’ models work. SI relies on place based capacity – opps and limitations Operational level SI requires supporting system level SI SI takes time and resources SI requires leadership Good relationships are critical Some conclusions

11.  Local and Regional Advocacy  Stronger Linkages - local, State & Commonwealth Govt, housing providers, industry  Local/regional data collection and research  Sector training and development opportunities  Web based information & communication tools inc. clearinghouse Sector priorities

12. Trish Evans Northern Rivers Social Development Council trish.evans@nrsdc.org.au Ph: 66 201830 0447 212245 Questions? Thank you