FS and WCTO providers have strong working relationships Relationships are key to opening up networks of care for FS clients. Yet some providers did not demonstrate recognition of the importance of strong working relationships for aligned service delivery. As part of programme planning for FS or WCTO services, ensure that are strategies and appropriate opportunities for investing time and effort to build relationships between WCTO and FS providers. FS and WCTO actively share information Some FS staff reported struggling to network with WCTO staff and other professionals including midwives, district nurses, social workers, CYF, Police, early childhood education sector. Create and/or support and regional WCTO and FS meetings to encourage the sharing of information. Each programme has individual client management system. In co-located services, either team cannot have ready access to client information. Undertake further work to determine how a greater level of information sharing can be achieved between FS and WCTO key workers. FS key workers reported low of referral from WCTO providers working alongside vulnerable families who could be eligible for FS. Create incentives for WCTO providers to link with FS providers when they identify vulnerable whānau that meet FS referral criteria. FS and WCTO providers collaborate to provide care to whānau Providers who have higher rates of WCTO check completions have effective referral processes for tamariki. As part of contracting with providers, targeting and supporting providers that offer their clients a continuum of care with a network of providers and services. FS providers are restricted to specific sub regions, while WCTO is nationwide. Consider aligning the service coverage areas of each programme. In the WCTO programme, whānau receive core contacts are completed as they fall due (i.e. age dependent) rather than at the time of referral from FS. Consider strategies for the WCTO contract that will encourage the prioritisation of FS (vulnerable) children to ensure they have their core contacts completed.
actions to improve alignment between FS and WCTO services Based on the findings of this research, the researchers have identified the following potential actions that the Ministries of Social Development and Health could consider taking to improve alignment between FS and WCTO services so that vulnerable whānau have improved access to a network of services that deliver co-ordinated care. Table 6 – Potential actions to improve alignment between FS and WCTO services Key Feature of an aligned service Finding Potential Actions FS and WCTO providers are well informed each other’s services The provider survey established that there is an opportunity to enhance FS and WCTO key workers understanding of the aims and objectives of each other’s services and their respective roles and responsibilities. Create opportunities for training and networking opportunities for FS and WCTO to better understand each other’s services and in particular, the potential points of alignment between the two services. acknowledging that each provider is unique in its service approach, the research found some common denominators that improved chances of whānau access to a network of services. Disseminate and promote good practice model with providers and further refine the model as more lessons are learnt about how to maximise alignment between the two services. FS and WCTO providers have strong working relationships Relationships are key to opening up networks of care for FS clients. Yet some providers did not demonstrate recognition of the importance of strong working relationships for aligned service delivery. As part of programme planning for FS or WCTO services, ensure that there are strategies and appropriate opportunities for investing time and effort to build relationships between WCTO or FS providers. FS and WCTO actively information Some FS services reported struggling to network with WCTO and other professionals including midwives, district nurses, social workers, CYF, Police, early childhood education sector. Create and/or support local and regional WCTO and FS meetings to encourage the sharing of information. Each programme has their individual client management system. In co-located services, either team cannot Undertake further work to determine how a greater level of information sharing can be achieved between FS and WCTO services.
have ready access to client information. FS reported low rates of referral from WCTO providers of vulnerable families who could be eligible for FS. Create incentives for WCTO providers to link with FS providers when they identify vulnerable whānau that meet FS criteria. FS and WCTO providers collaborate to provide care to whānau Providers who have higher rates of WCTO check completions have effective referral processes for tamariki. As part of contracting with providers, targeting and supporting providers that offer their clients a continuum of care with a network of providers and services. FS providers are restricted to specific sub regions, WCTO is nationwide. Consider aligning the service coverage areas of each programme. In the WCTO programme, whānau receive core contacts are completed as they fall due (i.e. age dependent) rather than at the time of referral from FS. Consider strategies for the WCTO contract that will encourage the prioritisation of FS (vulnerable) children to ensure they have their core contacts completed.