Targeted Earlier Intervention program

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

View Targeted Earlier Intervention program as chapters

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:

Manager, Commissioning and Planning
Director, Commissioning and Planning
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:

Agreement for funding of services, standard terms
Agreement for funding of services, schedule
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:

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. We have extended Try, Test and Learn until 31 December 202. This means, 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 will 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, you need to set up your myGovID and RAM and get set up on the Data Exchange.

Below are some resources to help you do this:

Also see our FAQs about myGovID and RAM and the Data Exchange.

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

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
Program Specific Guidance for State Agencies in the Data Exchange: provides practical information specific to the TEI program
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

How will we help you?

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

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:

The Data Exchange 101 webinar
A range of task cards and e-Learning modules that show how to use the Data Exchange.

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.

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

Targeted Earlier Intervention program

What is the TEI program?

Why are we making these changes?

TEI outcomes framework – how we’ll work together

What is the TEI outcomes framework?

What has changed?

What does this mean for you?

How will we help you?

The recommissioning process – next steps for your service

Next steps for contract negotiations

Changes to service delivery

Achieving milestones

Using the Data Exchange

A local approach to recommissioning

What will happen?

What are the new contracts?

Program logic – how we’ll deliver the right support

TEI Program Logic E-module

Program Logic resources

Will my program logic be assessed?

Who can I ask for help?

The Data Exchange – how we’ll know what works

What is the Data Exchange?

What is changing?

Why are we making this change?

What does this mean for you?

How do I get started?

How will we help you?

Who can I ask for help?

Understand need in your local area

Find out more about your local district below:

Murrumbidgee

Far West

Western NSW

Hunter

Central Coast

Mid North Coast

Northern NSW

New England

Western Sydney

Nepean Blue Mountains

Sydney

South Eastern Sydney

Northern Sydney

South Western Sydney

Illawarra Shoalhaven

Southern NSW

Sector Assistance Strategy

Individualised support for Aboriginal TEI service providers

Individualised support packages for mainstream TEI service providers

Data Exchange support and resources

Resources

Training

Peer Learning

Stay up to date

TEI Inform

Your questions answered

Archived updates

Key dates

Key TEI resources

TEI program overview

TEI contracts

TEI program logic

Privacy

The Data Exchange

Measuring and Reporting Outcomes

Local data

Sector Development Organisations