Improved Services Initiative
The Improved Services Initiative (ISI) is part of a 3 year project funded by the Department of Health and Aging under a Capacity Building Grant.
The aim of the project is to build the capacity of Youth Projects to becoming dual diagnosis capable by 2011.
The project will meet 5 service delivery outcomes:
- Policies and procedures
- Networks and linkages
- Professional development and training
- Overall quality improvement
- Data collection
Policies and Procedures:
- Review existing policies and procedures to incorporate dual diagnosis capabilities
- Develop new policies and procedures to incorporate screening, assessment, treatment options and referral pathways for those clients experiencing co-occurring mental health and drug and alcohol disorders (dual diagnosis)
Networks and Linkages:
- Youth Projects has been working hard to form lasting connections, formalising linkages and partnerships with mental health services, general practice networks, housing, community health services and homeless outreach nurses
- The outcomes of these linkages highlights the need for cross-sectoral collaborative care
Professional Development and Training:
- Youth Projects RTO (Registered Training Organisation) has the Mental Health Certificate IV and Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Certificate IV within its training scope and is on offer to all our staff
- Specific mental health training workshops have been attended by staff throughout the project facilitated by Northern Dual Diagnosis Team.
Overall Quality Improvement:
- Annual audits of capacity building
- Psychologist and Mental Health Nurse on-site at Living Room, coupled with existing medical staff the Living Room is able to offer shared care options for clients
- Consumer reference group which meet monthly to discuss service delivery
- Development of resources in the form of factsheets (available on the website)
- Integrating successful outcomes into the strategic plan of the organisation so that screening and treatment of dual diagnosis becomes core business
Data Collection:
- Youth Projects has upgraded their existing database to hold and report on more comprehensive client information
- Through this new system our workers are able to help clients chart their progress in treatment and show them their achievements
- Youth Projects are now also able to track current trends and issues faced by those who access our services
