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Targeted Earlier Intervention program

Understand the Targeted Earlier Intervention program and the guidelines, policies and recommissioning process you need to follow

What is the TEI program?

The Targeted Earlier Intervention (TEI) program delivers flexible support to children, young people, families and communities experiencing or at risk of vulnerability. It combines five separately funded DCJ programs into one outcomes-focused program. This includes:

  • Aboriginal Child Youth and Family Strategy
  • Child Youth and Family Support
  • Community Builders
  • Families NSW
  • Getting It Together

Services are delivered under two broad streams:

  • Community strengthening – activities that build cohesion, inclusion and wellbeing across all communities, and empower Aboriginal communities
  • Wellbeing and safety – activities that support families and individuals, and provide opportunities for personal development

The TEI program is collecting outcomes data on individual services through the Data Exchange. This will improve how we respond to evolving client and community needs. As our evidence base grows, we will adapt service delivery to reflect what we know works.

Under the new program, service providers need to develop a program logic to demonstrate how their activities contribute to client and community outcomes.

Why are we making these changes?

The number of children reported at risk of significant harm continues to grow, and evidence says we need to provide support earlier.

The TEI program will help us support the people who need it earlier on, so we make the biggest difference. This is an important step towards achieving the Premier’s priority of protecting our most vulnerable children.

You can find out more about why we’re making these changes by reading the TEI program specifications and TEI program fact sheet.

TEI outcomes framework – how we’ll work together

What is the TEI outcomes framework?

The TEI outcomes framework explains how we will work together to build evidence and improve outcomes. It underpins the whole TEI program and provides a roadmap for linking program activities to improved outcomes.

This helps you to see the contribution your work, and the TEI program as a whole, is making toward achieving lasting change. It also ensures that we invest in programs that deliver meaningful outcomes for the people we serve. A large part of this is developing a clear program logic and collecting and reporting data.

What has changed?

You now need to align to the TEI outcomes framework as part of your contract.

What does this mean for you?

In the past, developing a program logic and reporting data through the Data Exchange was optional. You may have already begun these steps if you opted into Pathway 1. Under the new program, it will be compulsory.

You will need to develop a simple program logic. You will need to review your program logic each year.

We have extended the Try, Test and Learn period until 31 December 2020.

This means, from 1 January 2021, you will need to collect data and report it using the Data Exchange.

The period between negotiating your TEI schedule and 31 December 2020 is a great opportunity to set yourself up on the Data Exchange. You can get used to how it works and start developing your program logic. Ask your local DCJ district for help when you discuss recommissioning with them.

As part of your new contract, you may have milestones for implementing the Data Exchange and developing a program logic.

How will we help you?

We have created a TEI specific program logic template to help you align your service to the outcomes framework. Your local DCJ district can also help you to create your program logic.

If you haven’t started using the Data Exchange system, your local district will support you to start doing so. You can find out more on the Data Exchange page.

The recommissioning process – next steps for your service

We have nearly completed the process of recommissioning TEI service providers. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted contract negotiations for some service providers. We will support you through the next steps of recommissioning and remain flexible during this time.

Next steps for contract negotiations

If you have reached agreement in your recommissioning negotiations:

  • we will finalise those contracts and send them to you as soon as practicable
  • you do not need to make any changes to those recent agreements regardless of whether service delivery changes have occurred due to COVID-19
  • new contracts will start on 1 July 2020.

You will know you have reached agreement from your record of what was agreed, either signed, or agreed by email.

If you have not yet reached agreement in your recommissioning negotiations

  • we will extend the negotiation timeframe and funding under your current contract to 31 December 2020
  • where possible, we encourage you to continue to progress your negotiations and finalise contracts as soon as it is practical
  • we will write to you by 30 April 2020 if this extension applies to you.

Any issues raised will still be managed locally and if necessary, can be escalated locally through the current process as follows:

  1. Manager, Commissioning and Planning
  2. Director, Commissioning and Planning
  3. Executive District Director

Changes to service delivery

We acknowledge that your service delivery may be affected by COVID-19 and we will take this into account, and want to assure you that this will not influence your contract negotiations.

Please inform your DCJ Contract Manager if you make any changes to your TEI service delivery due to COVID-19.

Achieving milestones

We know that COVID-19 may affect your ability to achieve milestones under your new TEI contracts. If this is the case, we will extend the due dates of milestones in your TEI Schedule for up to 6 months.

You do not need to update the milestone dates in your Schedule for this to take effect. DCJ will include an additional supplementary condition in all TEI contracts reflecting this, and you will be able to review this when you receive your contract.

Using the Data Exchange

We have extended the ‘Try, Test and Learn’ period for implementing the TEI Outcomes Framework. It will be optional for TEI providers to report administrative and outcomes data in the Data Exchange from now until 31 December 2020.

A local approach to recommissioning

We understand that each local community has different priorities and needs. That is why we are taking a local approach to recommissioning for TEI.

DCJ districts will lead this work. Local planning will help us identify what areas we need to focus on in each community. We will look at:

  • local priority groups – who needs the services?
  • location – where are the services needed?
  • service type – what services are needed?

What will happen?

Your local DCJ district will work with you to negotiate your contract terms. This will be based on the TEI program specifications and priorities for your local community. You can read our negotiation fact sheet to learn more about the negotiation process.

Contract negotiations will start from November 2019. We understand negotiations are a process and may require multiple conversations before landing on an agreed position.

What are the new contracts?

The new contracts will start on 1 July 2020 and use the new NSW Human Services Agreement (HSA). The contract will include three documents:

  1. Agreement for funding of services, standard terms
  2. Agreement for funding of services, schedule
  3. TEI program specifications (previously known as program guidelines)

Information and resources to help transition to the HSA can be found at https://www.procurepoint.nsw.gov.au/before-you-supply/ngos-providing-human-services. You will receive more information about the HSA as the recommissioning process progresses.

We will take a flexible approach to contracting to support your transition to the new TEI program. Contract terms include:

  • 5 years
  • 3 years initial term plus 2 years extension
  • 2 years initial term plus 3 years extension
  • 1 year initial term plus up to 4 years extension.

Our district teams will work with you to negotiate your contract terms. This will be based on whether your service aligns with TEI program objectives and meets the priorities for your local community. The key principles for the recommissioning process are:

  • Local priority groups –  is your service supporting people who need it?
  • Location – is there a need for your service in the  local area?
  • Service delivery type – are your current service activities addressing local priorities?
  • Evidence informed – is there evidence that your service works? This includes sector consultation, local knowledge and data.

You may be offered flexible contract terms, with an option to extend as you meet agreed milestones. We will support you if you need to make changes.

Recommissioning will occur within existing program funding. Agreed service levels will be negotiated as part of the contract based on what is sustainable for providers. We understand that adjustments may also need to be made during the contract period.

Program logic – how we’ll deliver the right support

All TEI service providers need to develop a program logic within their first year of service delivery.

A program logic helps us link what we are doing, with why we are doing it. It provides a framework for monitoring and evaluating our service activities against the outcomes we want to achieve. This is an important step in moving towards an evidence-informed practice.

You should treat your program logic as a living document and update it as local priorities and your service activities change.

TEI Program Logic E-module

We have developed a 15 minute Program Logic e-module to help you to develop your program logics: Developing a program logic e-module

Download the TEI program logic template and examples to help you complete the e-module.

Program Logic resources

See these other useful resources for further assistance:

We also have some real examples from service providers:

If you have any questions or comments about these resources please contact: TEI@facs.nsw.gov.au

Will my program logic be assessed?

Your program logic will be assessed by your local district. This is to ensure all program logics developed in the TEI program are high-quality.

Your local district will use this guide: Assessing a program logic. This includes a clear criteria to promote best practice and consistency in the TEI program.

For more information see our FAQs about developing a program logic.

Who can I ask for help?

Your local DCJ district can answer any questions and provide support as you work through your program logic.

You can also email TEI@facs.nsw.gov.au for help.

The Data Exchange – how we’ll know what works

What is the Data Exchange?

"The Data Exchange is a streamlined way to collect and share data and will be the main reporting system for TEI. It offers a number of benefits for all users, including:

  • fewer data items need to be recorded than other platforms
  • flexible new ways to submit information
  • it de-identifies data.

What is changing?

To date, data collection has been optional. From 1 January 2021, you will need to report data using the Data Exchange to meet the terms of your contract.

Why are we making this change?

The new TEI program focuses on collecting outcomes data. This will help us improve how we respond to client and community needs, adapt service delivery and improve outcomes.

What does this mean for you?

All TEI services need to collect and report data through the Data Exchange from 1 January 2021. If you haven’t started exploring the Data Exchange, we suggest you do so as soon as possible.

How do I get started?

To begin, download the Data Exchange Quick Start Guide. Follow the steps in this document to help you access and start using the Data Exchange.

For help getting onto the Data Exchange see:

Before you start reporting information in the Data Exchange you should read the following documents:

Data Exchange Resources and Webinars

We have developed a number of additional resources to help you use the Data Exchange:

In 2020, we ran a Data Exchange webinar series to help service providers understand how to use the Data Exchange. Recordings of these webinars and the powerpoint slides that were used are below:

We will update and develop new resources as needed. If you have any questions or comments about these resources please contact: TEI@facs.nsw.gov.au.

A number of online training resources, developed by the Department of Social Services, are also available including:

Who can I ask for help?

For help with MyGovID and RAM: call the support line on 1300 287 539

For general Data Exchange support: contact dssdataexchange.helpdesk@dss.gov.au or 1800 020 283 (8.30am – 5.30pm Monday to Friday)

For TEI specific questions: talk to your local DCJ district contact or email us at TEI@facs.nsw.gov.au.

Understand need in your local area

We’re taking a local approach to recommissioning so we can give the right support to the people who need it most in your local area.

We’ve developed three resources to support you through the recommissioning process. These resources will help you understand need in your local area.

  1. District data profiles – A detailed profile of your local district. It includes demographic, housing, child development, community safety and child protection information. Where possible, we present this information at the local government area (LGA) level.
  2. Local priorities ­ –  An evidence-based snapshot of the main priorities in your district.
  3. Their Futures Matter data pack – An infographic presenting relevant data at both the District and LGA level. Data is taken from the Forecasting Future Outcomes Stronger Communities Investment Unit 2018 Insights report.

Find out more about your local district below:

Central Coast
Far West
Hunter
Illawarra Shoalhaven
Mid North Coast
Murrumbidgee
Nepean Blue Mountains
New England
Northern NSW
Northern Sydney
Southern NSW
South Eastern Sydney
South Western Sydney
Sydney
Western NSW
Western Sydney

Murrumbidgee

District data profile

Local priorities

Their Futures Matter (TFM) data pack

Far West

District data profile

Local priorities

Their Futures Matter (TFM) data pack

Western NSW

District data profile

Local priorities

Their Futures Matter (TFM) data pack

Hunter

District data profile

Local priorities

Their Futures Matter (TFM) data pack

Central Coast

District data profile

Local priorities

Their Futures Matter (TFM) data pack

Mid North Coast

District data profile

Local priorities

Their Futures Matter (TFM) data pack

Northern NSW

District data profile

Local priorities

Their Futures Matter (TFM) data pack

New England

District data profile

Local priorities

Their Futures Matter (TFM) data pack

Western Sydney

District data profile

Local priorities

Their Futures Matter (TFM) data pack

Nepean Blue Mountains

District data profile

Local priorities

Their Futures Matter (TFM) data pack

Sydney

District data profile

Local priorities

Their Futures Matter (TFM) data pack

South Eastern Sydney

District data profile

Local priorities

Their Futures Matter (TFM) data pack

Northern Sydney

District data profile

Local priorities

Their Futures Matter (TFM) data pack

South Western Sydney

District data profile

Local priorities

Their Futures Matter (TFM) data pack

Illawarra Shoalhaven

District data profile

Local priorities

Their Futures Matter (TFM) data pack

Southern NSW

District data profile

Local priorities

Their Futures Matter (TFM) data pack

Sector Assistance Strategy

Stage 3 of the TEI Sector Assistance Strategy (SAS) will support existing TEI-funded services to deliver the TEI Program. Support currently available includes:

  • individualised support packages for TEI service providers
  • Data Exchange resources

Training delivered by TEI Peaks is also available.

Individualised support packages for TEI service providers

NCOSS is continuing to coordinate the delivery of individualised support packages to Aboriginal and mainstream TEI service providers. Support packages will help service providers to align with the TEI program.

NCOSS will continue to use a panel of support providers to meet your needs. These providers will have a range of different skills, such as:

  • developing program logics
  • embedding outcomes culture
  • communication with clients or the community
  • changes to service delivery
  • assistance with forming partnerships or collaborations
  • updating policies or procedures
  • changes to governance or financial management
  • workforce planning
  • data collection and using the Data Exchange

Your contract manager may suggest you apply for individualised support. This is to help you achieve the milestones in your contract. There are a limited number of packages available. Please speak with your contract manager to discuss your support needs.

Data Exchange resources

We have developed a number of resources to support TEI service providers to use the Data Exchange, develop program logics and measure outcomes, including:

Please also see the Program specific guidance for State Agencies on the Data Exchange website.

Other training

Fams has partnered with the Governance Institute of Australia and CCWT to offer access to training opportunities to TEI services. View further information about these training opportunities.

Stay up to date

Keep checking these webpages as we will be updating them regularly.

TEI Inform

Subscribe to our TEI Inform newsletter to receive email updates. You can read previous editions below:

Your questions answered

Archived updates

Key dates

30 September  2019

DCJ announces recommissioning for the TEI program.

November 2019

Key recommissioning information available to TEI service providers:

  • local priority data
  • TEI program guidelines
  • TEI outcomes framework
  • TEI program data collection and reporting guide
  • TEI district local recommissioning plan
  • TEI program logic.

November 2019 to

March 2020

District-led TEI recommissioning information sessions held for TEI service providers.

Contract negotiations held with TEI service providers.

31 March 2020

Contract negotiations are finalised

1 July 2020

TEI contracts commence and first quarterly payment released.

Key TEI resources

TEI program overview

  • TEI program specifications - sets out the intended program outcomes, the program target group and examples of activities that might be delivered under the program. Service providers must comply with the TEI program specifications.
  • TEI program fact sheet - explains the TEI program and the recommissioning process.
  • TEI outcomes framework - underpins the whole TEI program and explains how we will work together to build evidence and improve outcomes.

TEI contracts

TEI program logic

Privacy

Indigenous Data Sovereignty

The Data Exchange

Measuring and Reporting Outcomes

Data Exchange Webinar Series

Local data

  • Local data packs - select your local district to access data about your area. You can use this data to develop your program logic.

Sector Development Organisations

TEI Commissioning

Spotlight TEI: Case Study Collection

Showcasing outcomes in Targeted Earlier Intervention (TEI)

Call for submissions: by close of business 9 December 2020

DCJ is calling on the TEI sector to share case studies to showcase the great work and exceptional outcomes achieved with vulnerable children, young people, families and communities in NSW. We also want to hear from you if you are a sector development service, achieving outcomes across the TEI service system.

A selection of case studies will be published as a series of articles, videos and other multimedia. We will be in touch with you if your case study is chosen for publication.

We want to tell your stories and the stories of the people you serve, to recognise the work you do and the positive impact you have on vulnerable people in NSW.

Download the Nomination Form

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Last updated: 04 Nov 2019