Case Based Funding Review October 2006
Case based funding was introduced by the Australian Government in 2005 to improve employment outcomes for people with disability by more closely linking individual support needs to one of four funding levels.
There are over 18,000 people in 214 business services whose support needs are now determined by the case based funding model.
Main findings
The Review of the introduction of the case based funding model into disability supported employment services was conducted to assess the impact of case based funding on people with disability accessing supported employment, their families, carers and service providers, and to identify aspects of the funding model which could be improved. In particular the review sought to assess the impact on service providers in rural and remote Australia, service users with very high support needs, and those wishing to access training and other forms of employment.
The review found that case based funding successfully increased employment opportunities and enhanced employment outcomes for people with disability who need ongoing support to attain and maintain employment.
The review also found that the case based funding model's classification system, for the most part, matched the level of funding to the level of relative support required. The review also found this was sustainable over the longer term.
The review also established that most of the sector was relatively well positioned to meet the challenges of the future due to:
- increased funding for two-thirds of providers
- the discipline of managing outlet capacity
- the relatively low levels of volatility in the sector's cash flow
- steady exit rates
- the consolidation of the business services sector.
Overall, the employment outcomes that have been achieved under case based funding have shown a marked improvement over those achieved in the block grant funded model. The majority of service providers also said that the changes under case based funding are positive for supported employees.
However, there is room to improve the employment outcomes for particular cohorts of service users, to improve the transition from supported to open employment, and to lift take up of education and training opportunities for service users in supported employment services.
If you would like an electronic copy of the Case Based Funding Review October 2006, or the Case Based Funding Review Summary, please email helpdesk.cbf@fahcsia.gov.au