Centre for Human Services Research and Evaluation

1. Vision and research themes 2013 Centre for Human Services Research and Evaluation

2. Vision for the Centre 2

3. Focused research themes for DHS The six research themes for DHS bring improved focus and rigour to the department’s evidence activities. The themes highlight the evidence priorities of the department. The themes are an overarching framework that will align evidence activities to the DHS Strategic Directions. Under each theme, four high level questions have been developed to guide existing and new evidence initiatives for DHS. 3

4. CHSRE six research themes human services Build an evidence base to support human services reform and improved client outcomes. 4

5. What are the main contributors to social and economic disadvantage in Victoria? What are the barriers to reducing disadvantage? What levers can be used to address disadvantage at local, state and national levels? How can human services policy by the department directly alleviate disadvantage in Victoria, across the State's diverse cultural, regional and local contexts? 1. Lead a detailed understanding of social and economic disadvantage in Victoria 5

6. What are the emerging socio-economic trends that will affect short, medium and long term demand on human services? How will these trends drive change in DHS service delivery models, programs and our ability to respond to demand in the next 3, 10 and 20 years? What particular population groups require these services and how might their needs change? What are the best ways to forecast expected demands spatially? 2. Develop best practice demand and forecasting models for Victorians requiring DHS services 6

7. What does the best research tell us about how to design policy interventions for joined up human services that aim to reduce disadvantage? Which jurisdictions both nationally and internationally are leading models? What do we need to know to become a policy leader? What is current best practice policy in joined up disability, housing and community programs? 3. Drive cutting edge research to inform best practice in human services policy development 7

8. How do we design services and programs that effectively support Victorians to build better lives and achieve their potential? How do we re-engineer service delivery to better meet people's needs? How can we transform the way people access, interact with, and exit our services? What can we do to drive service delivery efficiency and effectiveness for government? 4. Direct critical research to inform best practice in human services delivery 8

9. Has a policy, program or project met its outcomes and goals? What has worked and what hasn't worked in the way we expected? What does this tell us about what we should keep doing, change or stop doing? What is the consequence of evaluations of existing programs on policy and service delivery? 5. Design, undertake and commission evaluations to improve DHS services 9

10. What are the success factors that can help people build their potential? How do we re-engineer service delivery to better meet people's needs? What are the policy, program and service gaps that limit the department's capacity to meet its strategic objectives? What are the cost savings for government that can be realised through new approaches? 6. Build an evidence base to support human services reforms and improved client outcomes 10

11. Contact us at chsre@dhs.vic.gov.aufor more information. 11