This three year evaluation project was conducted on behalf of the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA). The project involved a multi-faceted review of the impact of the case based funding trial on clients, service providers and other key stakeholders.

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.

The evaluation involved interviewing around 100 service providers across Australia, a written survey of the 300 service providers involved in the trial, conducting focus groups and interviews with 400 job seekers and close consultation with peak bodies, the working group and FaHCSIA. We also analysed large data sets pertaining to the trial participants and the broader disability employment assistance industry, to measure comparative job seeker success in gaining access to services.

The project involved the analysis of confidential, personnel data regarding the disability, amount and type of employment support received and the employment outcomes of over 4,700 people with disabilities across Australia. AHA developed a database and analysed this data to identify the employment support needs of people with a range of different disability types.

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 geographical locations and markets, and to examine further the incentives and disincentives of accepting job seekers of various primary disability types, and support requirements. Cost data was also received from 350 disability providers and subsequently analysed and presented in a wide range of analytical and comparative tables and charts.