 News Flash
DISABILITY
SERVICES REFORM TASK FORCE
On Tuesday, 5
December
the PSA attended the first Disability Services Reform Task Force
meeting. Other unions represented are the LHMU, ANF and
SASMOA.
This Task Force has been set up to provide advice to
the Implementation Steering Committee, and to develop and implement
strategies in relation to:
-
operational transition arrangements for service
delivery;
-
development of
work-flow, in consultation with staff and stakeholders as appropriate;
-
strategy and policy development;
-
infrastructure requirements;
-
reporting
mechanisms.
It is
important that the PSA and members working in disability services
have the opportunity to participate in developing the model for
service delivery, which will determine the way they will be required
to work in the future. The PSA tabled for discussion a set of
Principles, which were developed by PSA Worksite Representatives, to
be endorsed and taken into account when developing any models of
service delivery that would be out for consultation.
DRAFT
PRINCIPLES
-
Services
currently provided by the public sector will continue to be provided by
the public provider.
-
The public
sector will continue to employ professional staff to deliver
professional services to the community.
-
The new model will provide for meaningful careers
for all staff in the public sector.
-
Service will be based on individual needs rather
than primarily on a single diagnosis.
-
Access and equity for clients will be a prime
consideration.
-
Responses will
be driven by evidence-based practice and comprehensive documentation of
unmet needs.
-
Clients with
multiple-disabilities and complex needs will be provided for in any new
model with no possibility that such clients might fall between services
or be referred from one to the other in search of appropriate
assistance.
-
Current services will continue until new services
are implemented. It is essential that services are not discontinued
prior to new services being in place.
-
Commitment to, and acknowledgment of the mutual
benefit to the employer and employee of, planned human resource
development with provision and participation in relevant development
opportunities (including accredited training).
-
New services to
be thoroughly planned and appropriately resourced, before
implementation.
-
Delegations of
authority needs to be kept at a service delivery level, to maximise the
potential for a flexible and responsive service.
-
Decision
making should be transparent and supported by clear processes.
The next meeting is
scheduled in late January 2007.
Contact details for PSA
representatives on this Task Force are:
PSA
WORKING FOR MEMBERS IN DISABILITY SA
7 December
2006
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