1. Recharge Conference Rydges World Square 6-7 August 2015 Rethinking Reform David MacKenzie (Swinburne Institute for Social Research, Swinburne University)

2. Rethinking Reform

3. YAA 2007 In the late 1970s and early 1980s ‘youth homelessness’ became a public issue.

4. 319 Witnesses gave evidence 21 days of hearings in all states/territories 91 written submissions Seven government departments appeared before NYC Six policy workshops Many informal private discussions with government officials and ministers

5. Proposition 1: The community sector needs to rediscover reform!

6. Recognise youth homelessness as part of a wicked problem Complex not simple Multiple causes Resists solution

7. The job services system does not serve young people well Many young people face difficulty in achieving a career path Youth unemployment rising – 20% in many areas 63% of people who experience homelessness are early school leavers Youth homelessness a continuing social issue Drug and justice issues Bipartisan funding agenda for overcoming disadvantage has broken down Support systems are siloed, crisis oriented and fragmented

8. Proposition 2: Think in terms of systems!

9. A systems model – for vulnerable youth (causal loop diagram)

10. Not an AGENCY focus; Not a PROGRAM focus; Not a SINGLE SECTOR focus; But a COMMUNITY focus!!!

11. Waiting for Early Intervention!

12. Proposition 3: TURN OFF THE TAP!

13. Rethinking & Reframing How we frame problems shapes the policies and programs developed in response – complex wicked problems need sophisticated systemic reform solutions. The homelessness response has tended to focus on ‘chronic’ homelessness – reframe on ‘early intervention’. A place-based early intervention system reform deals with whatever incipient youth issue are manifest, rather than relying on person-based responses.

14. Common Agenda All participants have a shared vision for change, a common understanding of the problem(s), and joint approach through agreed actions and interventions Shared Measurement A consistent collection of data and measurement of results across all participants and activities – aligned effort and inter-accountability Mutually Reinforcing Activities Differentiated activities but coordinated and collaborative through a mutually agreed plan(s) and reinforcing action(s) Continuous Communication Consistent, open communication to build trust, keep a focus on mutual objectives and to maintain a common motivation and long-term commitment Backbone Support Creating and managing ‘collective impact’ requires real work and skilled staff to support and coordinate the activities of participating organisations Australian Index of Adolescent Development AIAD/ e-Wellbeing A ‘Community of Schools & Youth Services’ Model of Early intervention Collective Impact

15. Local System Reform A whole of community ‘placed-based’ cohort model; A strategic collaboration between the Departments of Education and Community Services especially child protection & youth homelessness services; New collaborative structures and process involving local schools and youth services.

16. Proposition 4: A place-based community focused approach – a collective impact model

17. TGP Model Elements POPULATION SCREENING – standard AIAD but profile of need may vary from community to community; FLEXIBLE PRACTICE FRAMEWORK – common framework but efficacy will depend on local capacity and competence; COLLABORATIVE STRUCTURES AND PROCESSES – local adaptation; OUTCOMES MEASUREMENT – standard measures.

18. Early Intervention Prevention Youth housing Intensive Support Intensive Supported Accommodation Current Service System

19. Early Intervention Prevention Youth housing Intensive Support Intensive Supported Accommodation Future Service System

21. Rethinking Reform