Targeted Earlier Intervention program
Understand the Targeted Earlier Intervention program and its guidelines and policies.
What is the Targeted Earlier Intervention (TEI) program?
“Effective prevention and early intervention is possibly the most promising strategy for changing the trajectories of children."
'Better systems, better chances' Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth 2015
Evidence shows that children’s life chances are affected by both their families and communities, and that both can be changed for the better. The TEI program delivers a wide variety of support to children, young people, families and communities.
Each local community has different priorities and needs and so the TEI program is flexible, responsive and locally based.
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 supports the people who need it earlier on, to make the biggest difference. This is an important step towards achieving the Premier’s priority of Protecting our most vulnerable children and Increasing permanency for children in out-of-home care by helping families to care for their children before they enter out-of-home care.
You can find out more about the TEI program through exploring our website.
TEI outcomes framework
What is the Targeted Earlier Intervention outcomes framework?
The Targeted Earlier Intervention (TEI) outcomes framework outlines how DCJ and service providers will work together to build evidence of TEI program outcomes. It provides a roadmap for linking the TEI program and any program activities to improved client outcomes.
The outcomes framework supports providers in measuring and displaying the contribution of their TEI work to achieving lasting change in peoples’ lives. It also ensures that DCJ invests 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 through the Data Exchange system (DEX).
What DCJ support is available to service providers?
DCJ 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.
For more information on developing a Program Logic, see the Program Logic page.
Data collection and reporting is now managed through the Data Exchange system (DEX).
Your local district will also support you with using the Data Exchange system.
For more information on the Data Exchange system, see the Data Exchange page.
Commissioning in Targeted Earlier Intervention
Targeted Earlier Intervention (TEI) uses a commissioning approach to inform decisions about programs and activities. This is in line with DCJ’s strategic approach for delivering funded human services.
Commissioning at DCJ puts clients, communities and outcomes at the centre of human services. This means we design, implement and manage our services based on the needs and aspirations of our clients and communities, the intended outcomes and evidence of what works to achieve those outcomes.
Commissioning leverages the strengths of all stakeholders. It emphasises working together - clients, community, service providers, government and other service partners - from conception to delivery of services, monitoring and evaluation.
Commissioning TEI services helps us to:
- understand the needs and aspirations of our clients and the communities we work with
- determine how to best meet these needs and aspirations
- make decisions about how to design, fund, resource, deliver, manage and evaluate ongoing service delivery, programs and systems to achieve the best outcomes with the available resources.
- work together with clients, communities and service partners
We need to be sure that the services we provide make a difference to the people we serve.
When DCJ procures TEI services, we use the NSW Human Services Agreement (HSA), which involves three contracting documents:
Program logic – how we’ll deliver the right support
Program logic – Delivering the right support
All TEI service providers are required to develop a program logic within their first year of service delivery.
A program logic is an important component of evidence-based practice. The program logic provides a framework for monitoring and evaluating service activities and helps service providers link program activities with client outcomes.
The program logic is a living document that is reviewed annually. It should be kept up to date as local priorities and service activities change, and needs to be reviewed annually.
Will my program logic be assessed?
Your program logic will be assessed by your local district. This is to ensure service providers adequately understand TEI objectives and all program logics developed in the TEI program are high-quality.
Your local district will use this guide: Assessing a program logic. This includes clear criteria to promote best practice and consistency in the TEI program.
What DCJ support is available?
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:
- TEI program logic template and examples
- TEI program logic template and examples - Word version
- Assessing a program logic
- FAQs about developing a program logic
If you have any questions or comments about these resources please contact: TEI@facs.nsw.gov.au
Real examples of program logics from service providers
- Big Fat Smile
- Birrang Enterprise Development Co Ltd
- Orange City Council
- San Remo LINKS Youth Support Service
- San Remo Neighbourhood Centre
- Sugarvalley Neighbourhood Centre Program Logic
- Sugarvalley Neighbourhood Centre Outcomes Matrix
- Sugarvalley Neighbourhood Centre Client Survey
- Temora Community Centre Program Logic
The Data Exchange – how we’ll know what works
The Data Exchange – how we know what works
What is the Data Exchange (DEX)?
DEX is the reporting platform used in the TEI program. It is a web-based platform hosted by the Department of Social Services.
DEX has the flexibility to capture information across the entire TEI continuum, helping ensure service delivery information and client outcomes are reported in a consistent way. All TEI services report data through DEX.
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 first, or email us at TEI@dcj.nsw.gov.au.
DEX resources and information
- The Data Exchange Protocols: is a manual that describes the different elements of the Data Exchange and how services are expected to use the platform
- The TEI Data Collection and Reporting Guide: outlines the minimum data set needed for the TEI program and how TEI services are expected to measure and report client information
- The Data Exchange Quick Start Guide: provides an overview of the key steps you should follow to access and start using the Data Exchange
- InDex: A handy index of Data Exchange (DEX) resources for the Targeted Earlier Intervention (TEI) program
Data Exchange Resources
Getting onto the Data Exchange
- Data Exchange Quick Start Guide
- Getting onto the Data Exchange
- FAQs about myGovID and RAM
- FAQs about the Data Exchange
Start reporting
- Setting up outlets in the Data Exchange
- How do I set up my cases, sessions and clients in the Data Exchange?
- What information do I need to record in the Data Exchange?
- Example client intake form
Consent and Privacy
Measuring and reporting client outcomes
- Measuring outcomes in the TEI program: E-learning modules
- What is SCORE and how can I use it for the TEI program?
- TEI guide to developing surveys
- What is Community SCORE and how do I use it for the TEI program?
- Outcomes Matrix
- TEI Outcomes Alignment Tool
Real examples of measuring outcomes from service providers
- Botany Family and Children’s Centre – Outcomes Matrix and Client Surveys
- Sugar Valley Neighbourhood Centre – Outcomes Matrix
- Sugar Valley Neighbourhood Centre – Client survey
Using the Data Exchange Reports
- Access, Explore and Export your Data Exchange Data
- Using data in the TEI Program
- Using data to improve our services
- The NSW TEI Activity Report
If you have any questions or comments about these resources please contact: TEI@facs.nsw.gov.au
Webinars
2020 Data Exchange Webinar series
In 2020, we ran a webinar series to help service providers understand how to access and use the Data Exchange. Recordings of these webinars and the powerpoint slides that were used are below:
- Webinar 1: Introduction to the Data Exchange
- Webinar 2: Getting onto the Data Exchange
- Webinar 3: Set up your organisation and create outlets
- Webinar 4: Consent and Privacy
- Webinar 5: Creating Cases, Sessions and Clients
- Webinar 6: Creating Cases, Sessions and Clients in the Community Strengthening Stream
- Webinar 7: Creating Cases, Sessions and Clients in the Wellbeing and Safety Stream
- Webinar 8: Creating Cases, Sessions and Clients for Sector Coordination and Planning
- Webinar 9: Measuring Outcomes – SCORE for Individual Clients
- Webinar 10: Measuring Outcomes – Community SCORE
Understand need in your local area
Each community has different priorities and needs. The TEI program is flexible, responsive and locally based, so that people can get the right support.
DCJ has developed three resources to support service providers in understanding their local area.
- 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.
- Local priorities - An evidence-based snapshot of the main priorities in your district.
- 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
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
Sector Support
The Targeted Earlier Intervention (TEI) program supports the people who need it earlier, to make the biggest impact. The delivery of this support relies on TEI funded services who are on the ground engaging with TEI clients, working with them to make a difference in their lives.
To assist our service providers in making TEI as effective as possible, assistance is currently provided in the following forms:
Change Together
Change Together is a learning program for non-government practitioners working with children and families who are receiving Targeted Earlier Intervention, Family Connect and Support or Family Preservation services funded by the Department of Communities and Justice. The program provides free training to complement the professional learning of individual non-government organisations. For more information on Change Together can be found here.
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:
- July 2021 - DEX: Checking your data quality
- July 2021 - DEX: Check your data entry
- July 2021 - DEX: Accessing and using Data Exchange reports
- July 2021 - DEX: Measuring and reporting outcomes using SCORE
- July 2021 - DEX: Cases, Sessions and Clients
- July 2021 - Dex - Data Collection Processes and Minimum Dataset
- June 2021 - Public Health (COVID-19 Temporary Movement And Gathering Restrictions) Order 2021
- June 2021 - Dex - Consent and Privacy
- June 2021 - Program Logics and Resourcing Parents
- June 2021 - DEX - Create and manage outlets in DEX
- June 2021 - DEX - Setting up your organisation in DEX
- June 2021 - DEX - Are you reporting ready?
- May 2021 - DEX Updates
- April 2021 - Family Connect Services
- April 2021 - TEI Inform - DEX TEI Data Webinar
- March 2021 - DEX Information
- March 2021 - COVID Survey
- March 2021 - TEI Inform - Lessons Learned
- February 2021 - TEI Inform - NSW State of Volunteering Survey
- February 2021- TEI Inform - Contacts extended
- February 2021- TEI Inform - Program Logic Examples and Women's Funding
- January 2021 - TEI Inform - DEX reporting period closure
- December 2020 - TEI Inform - Merry Christmas
- December 2020 - TEI Inform - TEI Evidence Infrastructure
- December 2020 - Spotlight TEI Reminder
- November 2020 - Updates
- November 2020 - Spotlight TEI
- October 2020 - The NSW TEI Activity Report
- September 2020 - TEI Program Commissioning Survey
- September 2020 - Grants for domestic and family violence prevention programs
- August 2020 - Grants for volunteer involving organisations
- July 2020 - Recommissioning and data reporting updates
- June 2020 - Further easing of COVID-19 restrictions
- June 2020 - June 1 Public Health Order
- May 2020 - Easing of restrictions and TEI
- May 2020 - Incorrect hyperlink
- May 2020 - Extra support for Aboriginal service providers
- April 2020 - Important updates on recommissioning and COVID-19
- April 2020 - COVID-19 update 02/04/2020
- March 2020 - COVID-19 update 26/03/2020
- March 2020 - Fams workshops move online
- March 2020 - COVID-19 update 18/03/2020
- February 2020 - Contract negotiations update
- January 2020 - Bushfire help
- December 2019 - Contract negotiations explained
- December 2019 - Get TEI ready!
- November 2019 - Recommissioning begins
- October 2019 - Welcome to the new TEI program
Your questions answered
- Fams questions about TEI recommissioning
- FAQs about myGovID - July 2020
- FAQs about the Data Exchange – July 2020
- FAQs about TEI recommissioning – November 2019
Archived updates
Key dates
30 September 2019 | DCJ announces recommissioning for the TEI program. |
---|---|
November 2019 | Key recommissioning information available to TEI service providers:
|
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
- Contract negotiation fact sheet - learn more about the process of negotiating your TEI contract, including how to prepare and what to expect.
- Agreement for funding of services, standard terms
- Agreement for funding of services, schedule
TEI program logic
- TEI program logic template and examples
- TEI program logic template and examples - Word version
- TEI program logic e-module
- Assessing a program logic guide
- FAQs for developing a program logic
Real program logics from service providers
- Big Fat Smile
- Birrang Enterprise Development Co Ltd
- Orange City Council
- San Remo LINKS Youth Support Service
- San Remo Neighbourhood Centre
- Sugar Valley Neighbourhood Centre
Privacy
- Privacy Information Sheet - will assist TEI service providers to understand the privacy obligations in their contract.
- Using the Data Exchange: Consent and Privacy - outlines the consent and privacy principles for using the Data Exchange
- Example client intake form - will assist TEI service providers to adhere to privacy obligations
Indigenous Data Sovereignty
The Data Exchange
- Data collection and reporting guide
- Data Exchange Quick Start Guide
- Getting onto the Data Exchange
- Setting up outlets in the Data Exchange
- How do I set up my cases, sessions and clients in the Data Exchange?
- What information do I need to record in the Data Exchange?
- Example client intake form
Measuring and Reporting Outcomes
- Measuring outcomes in the TEI Program: E-learning modules
- What is SCORE and how can I use it for the TEI program?
- TEI guide to developing surveys
- What is Community SCORE and how do I use it in the TEI program?
- Outcomes Matrix
Real examples of measuring outcomes from service providers
- Botany Family and Children’s Centre – Outcomes Matrix and Client Surveys
- Sugar Valley Neighbourhood Centre – Outcomes Matrix
- Sugar Valley Neighbourhood Centre – Client survey
Using the Data Exchange Reports
- Access, Explore and Export your Data Exchange Data
- Using data in the TEI Program
- Using data to improve our services
- The NSW TEI Activity Report
Data Exchange Webinar Series
- Webinar 1: Introduction to the Data Exchange
- Webinar 2: Getting onto the Data Exchange
- Webinar 3: Set up your organisation and create outlets
- Webinar 4: Consent and Privacy
- Webinar 5: Creating Cases, Sessions and Clients
- Webinar 6: Creating Cases, Sessions and Clients in the Community Strengthening Stream
- Webinar 7: Creating Cases, Sessions and Clients in the Wellbeing and Safety Stream
- Webinar 8: Creating Cases, Sessions and Clients for Sector Coordination and Planning
- Webinar 9: Measuring Outcomes – SCORE for Individual Clients
- Webinar 10: Measuring Outcomes – Community SCORE
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
Targeted Earlier Intervention Program 2020-2021 NSW Annual Report
The Targeted Earlier Intervention Program 2020-2021 NSW Annual Report is the first state-wide report for the TEI Program. It presents quantitative data reported by TEI service providers from 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2021. It provides key information about service delivery, client cohorts, and client and community level outcomes.
Targeted Earlier Intervention Program 2020-2021 District Annual Reports are also now available: