As our service system continues to reform, we are entering the final stage of winding up the statewide Targeted Early Intervention (TEI) Program, and the recommissioning has commenced for the new Community and Family Services Program (CAFS).
Consultations continue regarding the Commonwealth Thriving Kids Program, and the NSW Government will strengthen laws and establish an independent regulator as part of sweeping reforms to the early childhood sector.
These policy and program shifts will require organisations and their workers to be prepared for change as we all work towards making the service system better, fairer and safer for children and their families.
Across NSW, almost all (96%) of existing providers have been invited to negotiate a new contract with DCJ under the CAFS Program. What we do know is that our small team in DCJ is pressed to complete 107 recommissioning contract negotiations within a tight timeframe, ensuring the continuity of services for the thousands of children and families across our region.
We acknowledge that this is no small task for our District Office. The final details of what services negotiate across our region are still being negotiated and will remain confidential until final agreements are reached.
This recommissioning involves a negotiation process, and as we speak with the network of local services, we understand that it can be challenging to shift away from “what and how” you do things at this point in time to a possibly new way of working. It should, however, be a great opportunity for us across our region to strengthen our service system, build in equity of access, and deliver evidence-based interventions with, and for, children, young people, families, and communities, especially in the early stages of life and need.
DCJ have shared a fact Sheet for the CAFS contract negotiation process. You can read it here Fact-Sheet–preparing-for-CAFS_negotiations-Sept-2025
In the meantime, we have gathered some insights from leaders who have been through a similar negotiation process with other government departments. See below our
Recommissioning Ready Tips
We look forward to connecting with you at upcoming training sessions, meetings, and collaborative projects. These are important opportunities to shape the future of our sector and ensure the best possible outcomes for our communities.
Let’s continue working together to make this transition a success.
Have the right people in your organisation around the table.
Someone who understands the service specifications, knows the service model you deliver, and is clear on the purpose of your organisation. You can have more than two people around the table, but make sure you understand the value each person brings to the negotiation and re-commissioning process. DCJ has confirmed that there is an expectation that at least two contract negotiation meetings will take place before the final details of programs, activities, and outputs are agreed upon.
Think beyond today
We have all been committed to early intervention. We have advocated and demonstrated the value that “early in life and early in need” can deliver. Stay focussed on that and do not tie yourselves into your current staffing challenges or structure. There are many ways to resource service delivery and keep your people.
Add value to the local service system not just your organisation
The local service system intersects with people who use the services, those who fund, those who deliver and the informal sector that makes up our social infrastructure. Contextualise your service and position the value you bring to the service system as a whole, and how you can add value to our social infrastructure.
Don’t be tempted to stray from your purpose
It can be tricky when we are presented with a funding opportunity to go with the funding, even if it means you stray from your organisation’s core purpose. For example, the TEI program shifted a whole network of local neighbourhood centres into children and family service provision. Don’t let CAFS program shift your organisation to something that compromises your services. We need you to stay in the service system, doing what you do best. We know that 40% of the CAFS program is under the Community Strengthening stream. DCJ has reiterated that Community Strengthening is a significant and important part of the CAFS service system.
Be Data ready
Know your program logic and your DEX data – at the very least. Understand how the data you have reported over the past few years will play out into your next contract. Be ready to negotiate program activities and outputs that are achievable for your service. If you plan to deliver a locally designed parenting program or playgroup, you must prepare and submit the program logic as part of the negotiation process. Program logics for other service types are not mandatory until July 2026, but our District Office team may value these Program Logics earlier, even during negotiations.