A recent change to the CAFS Program specification has many people concerned. The services specifications confirm that Sector Coordination no longer includes interagency networks or communities of practice.
It is important to note that collaboration and coordination remain central to the CAFS program. These principles are embedded in the CAFS program. One of the seven Service System Outcomes focuses on service collaboration, and several of the five Critical Elements (including Co-design and Partnership, Intersectional and Safe Approaches, and Whole-of-System Approaches) directly support a connected, cooperative sector. Sector Coordination “providers” such as Inner Sydney Voice must continue to work closely to enhance a collaborative and well-coordinated service system. Technology has changed how we all connect and collaborate, but opportunities to work deeply to improve our local service system will continue to matter.
Interagencies may not be funded by CAFS in the future (though they many are funded by other sources) but working together, sharing resources, and co-designing solutions are here to stay as key elements of a good service system.
We encourage you to reach out with any questions, ideas, or concerns you may have. Over the coming months, we will continue to collaborate with services in our region to ensure that the expertise, local knowledge, and strong community connections that TEI providers have developed are carried forward. Together, we will work to create a more responsive, integrated, and community-centred service system.