Timely review of whether integrated social services make a difference - from a NZ and International perspective

Evidence on the effectiveness of integrated social services for vulnerable people is mixed and continues to emerge, states a publication released today What Works: Integrated social services for vulnerable people.

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Superu (the Social Policy Evaluation and Research Unit) reviewed available research on international and national integrated social service programmes and initiatives, focusing on evidence of effectiveness.

Superu Chief Executive Clare Ward says "For those questioning whether further investment should be targeted at integrating social service delivery, we found that more research is needed, but that initial findings of service user outcomes are encouraging."

The evidence reviewed in the What Works: Integrated social services for vulnerable people publication provided mixed results of success. It was found that integrating social services alone is not a guarantee of positive outcomes for vulnerable people.

To be successful in providing integrated social services, this publication noted that implementation factors play a critical role including; sufficient funding, time for detailed planning and implementation, strong leadership, excellent communication, and being culturally responsive.

Factors to consider when approaching integrated social service delivery:

-clients who have multiple and interrelated needs are most likely to benefit from integrated social services, as addressing one need in isolation is unlikely to be effective

-with whānau, integrated social services are best delivered as part of a holistic whānau-centred approach. This can include using support people, or ‘navigators’, who are knowledgeable of tikanga and te reo Māori

-an ongoing commitment to further evaluation is needed to enable a greater understanding of what works for vulnerable people in New Zealand.

Ward concludes that "This release is timely as there is a current focus from Government on looking at maximising the impact of social service delivery to vulnerable groups of people".

Prior to the official release date, contact Lauren Prestney for a copy of the report.

For the full report from the 5 November onwards, go to: www.superu.govt.nz/integratedservices

The Productivity Commission recently produced the More effective Social Services report on the area of social service delivery. Read more here: http://www.productivity.govt.nz/sites/default/files/social-services-final-report-main.pdf

ENDS

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