The Iemma Government has developed a new evaluation tool aimed at improving the delivery of services to people with a disability, their families and carers.
NSW Minister for Disability Services Kristina Keneally said that one of the key areas identified for improvement in Stronger Together was to improve the system’s capacity and accountability.
“Stronger Together is the NSW Government’s 10 year, $1.3 billion plan for new and improved services for families, carers and people with a disability,” Ms Keneally said.
“This new evaluation policy will provide us with valuable information for achieving this objective.
“We have a responsibility to ensure that the services we fund for people with a disability are managed in the best possible way and improved where possible.
“We want a system that promotes opportunities for people with a disability to realise their potential.
“To achieve this, we need clarity about what services are available.
“The range of services must be varied and innovative approaches must be encouraged.”
The new evaluation policy will aim to ensure that Government funded services are:
• Of good quality;
• Cost-effective; and
• Provided by well-trained staff.
Ms Keneally said a key element of the new evaluation policy would be regular assessments of a range of programs directly provided or funded by the NSW Government.
“The 2007-08 Evaluation Schedule will evaluate more than 20 programs,” Ms Keneally said.
“While Stronger Together is injecting an extra $1.3 billion into disability services in its first five years, improving services was not just about money.
“It must be about a change that delivers better value, better access and better results.
“A long term planned approach provides increased predictability and this new evaluation policy will play a major role in supporting that planning.”