This three year national evaluation was conducted on behalf of the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA). It involved a multi-faceted review of the impact of the Case Based Funding (CBF) trial on job seekers, service providers and other key stakeholders. The study provided a valuable insight regarding changes in funding arrangements in the disability sector and how these impacted on people with a range of disabilities and support needs.
The study evaluated and examined the implications of the CBF model on job seeker access, non-acceptance and outcomes for people of various disability types, and support requirements. The effectiveness of the classification tool used to assess support requirements was also assessed, as were the implications of the CBF model on service providers’ viability and responsiveness.
A detailed cost attribution study was also conducted to inform FaHCSIA of the CBF model’s ability to sustain service viability for services in all geographic locations and markets. The cost attribution study involved a survey of 350 service providers in relation to financial, organisational, staffing and support hours information. The study included a detailed analysis of the costs involved in providing support compared to income under the case based funding model for each of the support need levels.