Department of Health and Human Services policy and funding guidelines 2017Volume 1: Departmental overview

Department of Health and Human Servicespolicy and funding guidelines 2017Volume 1: Departmental overview

To receive this publication in an accessible format, please phone 03 9096 8572 using the National Relay Service 13 36 77 if required, or email <pfg@dhhs.vic.gov.au>.

Authorised and published by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne.

© State of Victoria, Department of Health and Human Services, July 2017.

Where the term ‘Aboriginal’ is used it refers to both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Indigenous is retained when it is part of the title of a report, program or quotation.

ISSN 2207-8347 (online)

Available at <https://www2.health.vic.gov.au/about/policy-and-funding-guidelines>.

Printed by Impact Digital, Brunswick (1703037)

Contents

1 The Department of Health and Human Services................................................................................1About the department................................................................................................................................. 1

2 Our ministers........................................................................................................................................ 2

3 Departmental mission statement........................................................................................................3

4 Departmental objectives, indicators and outputs..............................................................................4

5 Budget overview................................................................................................................................... 6

6 How to use this document................................................................................................................... 8Volume 1: Departmental overview..............................................................................................................8

Volume 2: Health operations 2017–18........................................................................................................8

Volume 3: Human services policy and funding plan 2015–19, update 2017–18.........................................9

Combined volumes for the sectors.............................................................................................................9

iii

iv

1 The Department of Health and Human Services

About the departmentThe Department of Health and Human Services was established on 1 January 2015, bringing together the functions of health, human services and sport and recreation.

Our vision is to improve social and economic outcomes through programs designed to enhance the wellbeing of Victorians.

We know that all Victorians will come into contact with health and social services at some point in their lives and that there are critical links between wellbeing, vulnerability and social inclusion.

The health system provides universal healthcare for all, while community services provide targeted assistance to disadvantaged and vulnerable Victorians. Community services also play an important role in building cohesive and supportive communities that offer opportunities for participation.

The combined effort of these service systems working together can drive positive long-term change for individuals and families, particularly those with multiple and complex needs that span issues such as family violence, mental health, housing, drugs and alcohol, chronic health conditions and disability.

By working together, we will strive to build stronger, functional, policy and service delivery connections to support the health and wellbeing of all Victorians, no matter what their personal circumstances or stage of life.

Volume 1: Departmental overview Page 1

2 Our ministers

The Honourable Jill Hennessy MPMinister for HealthMinister for Ambulance Services

Martin Foley MPMinister for Housing, Disability and AgeingMinister for Mental Health

Jenny Mikakos MLCMinister for Families and ChildrenMinister for Youth Affairs

The Honourable John Eren MPMinister for Sport

The HonourableFiona Richardson MPMinister for WomenMinister for Prevention of Family Violence

The Honourable Gavin Jennings MLCSpecial Minister of StateLeader of the Government in the Legislative Council

The Department of Health and Human Services supports the portfolios of:

• the Hon. Jill Hennessy, Minister for Health, and Minister for Ambulance Services• Martin Foley, Minister for Housing, Disability and Ageing, and Minister for Mental Health• Jenny Mikakos, Minister for Families and Children, and Minister for Youth Affairs• the Hon. John Eren, Minister for Sport• the Hon. Fiona Richardson, Minister for Women, Minister for Prevention of Family Violence• the Hon. Gavin Jennings, Special Minister of State, Leader of the Government in the Legislative

Council.

Page 2 Volume1: Departmental overview

3 Departmental mission statement

The department contributes to the Victorian Government’s commitment to a stronger, fairer, better Victoria by developing and delivering policies, programs and services that support and enhance the health and wellbeing of all Victorians.

With its service partners and the community, the department provides services to:

• support people to live healthier, more active lives and participate in their local communities• empower patients, clients and carers• build the capacity of universal services to better respond to risk and vulnerability• increase earlier intervention• reduce waits for health and human services• make it easier to access better-connected care• improve Aboriginal health and wellbeing• support better, safer care• plan together for the future.

Volume 1: Departmental overview Page 3

4 Departmental objectives, indicators and outputs

The Department of Health and Human Services objectives, indicators, and linked outputs are listed below.

Departmental objectives Indicators Outputs

Victorians are healthy and well• Victorians have good

physical health• Victorians have good

mental health• Victorians act to protect

and promote health

This objective aims for Victorians to have good physical health, good mental health and act to protect and promote health.The departmental objective indicators are:• reduce the incidence of avoidable harm

in Victorian hospitals• reduce obesity and increase physical

activity across Victoria• increase the proportion of children with a

healthy birth weight – with a focus on reducing smoking during pregnancy

• reduce infant mortality

• reduce inequalities in premature death

• reduce the suicide rate

• improve rates of self-reported health and wellbeing

• reduce deaths resulting from misuse of prescription medicine

• increase immunisation coverage rates at two years of age and at school entry.

Acute Health ServicesAgeing, Aged and Home CareAmbulance ServicesDrug ServicesMental HealthPrimary, Community and Dental HealthPublic HealthSmall Rural Health Services

Page 4 Volume1: Departmental overview

Departmental objectives Indicators Outputs

Victorians are safe and secure• Victorians live free from

abuse and violence• Victorians have suitable

and stable housing

This objective aims for Victorians to live free from abuse and violence and for Victorians to have suitable and stable housing.The departmental objective indicators are:• reduce the abuse and neglect of children

and young people• reduce the rate of growth in out-of-home

care – especially for Aboriginal children• reduce the number of children in out-of-

home care who live in residential care• reduce the level of continuing risk for

victims of family violence• identify and respond to bullying, assault

and inappropriate behaviour in departmental and public health services to reduce occurrence

• reduce the proportion of the population experiencing homelessness – especially victims of family violence, and young people.

Child Protection and Family ServicesHousing AssistanceFamily Violence Service Delivery

Victorians have the capabilities to participate• Victorians participate in

learning and education• Victorians participate in

and contribute to the economy

• Victorians have financial security

This objective aims for Victorian’s to participate in learning and education, participate in and contribute to the economy, and to have financial security.The departmental objective indicators are:• increase educational engagement and

achievement by children and young people in contact with departmental services – especially those in out-of-home care

• increase participation in three and four-year-old kindergarten by children known to child protection

• increase the satisfaction of those who care voluntarily for people with a disability, people with mental illness, and children in out-of-home care

• increase labour-market participation by people with a disability, people with a mental illness and people living in specified locations and communities.

Concessions to Pensioners and BeneficiariesDisability Services

Volume 1: Departmental overview Page 5

Departmental objectives Indicators Outputs

Victorians are connected to culture and community• Victorians are socially

engaged and live in inclusive communities

• Victorians can safely identify and connect with their culture and identity

This objective aims for Victorians to be socially engaged and live in inclusive communities, and can safely identify and connect with their culture and identity.The departmental objective indicators are:• increase rates of community

engagement, including through participation in sport and recreation – especially for Aboriginal children and young people

• increase cultural connection for children in out-of-home care – especially Aboriginal children.

Empowering Individuals and CommunitiesGender equality and the prevention of family violence policy and programs

Page 6 Volume1: Departmental overview

5 Budget overview

The Department of Health and Human Services 2017–18 budget totals $23.217 billion, representing a 10.9 per cent increase in overall funding from 2016–17.

The Victorian Budget 2017–18 included funding to improve access to high-quality health and community services throughout Victoria, including the implementation of Ending Family Violence: Victoria’s Plan for Change, released in November 2016.

Specific initiatives include:• $162.7 million to upgrade and expand inpatient infrastructure at the Northern Hospital.• $69.8 million to upgrade key infrastructure at the Austin Hospital and The Royal Melbourne Hospital.• $63.2 million to upgrade the Monash Medical Centre emergency department to better target care to

children and adults.• $50 million to plan the new Footscray Hospital development, servicing the growing population in

Melbourne's inner west and for urgent works at the existing hospital.• $35 million for upgrading specialist medical equipment, including MRI and CT scanners in

metropolitan and regional hospitals.• A further $26.5 million to help our ambulances respond to every emergency even sooner.• $1.3 billion to meet hospital demand for an additional 41,000 admissions and 38,000 emergency

treatments in 2017–18.• $319.9 million to reduce waiting times for elective surgery, delivering 6,600 new elective surgery

procedures in 2017–18 and reducing the waitlist.• $215 million to implement the Victorian Government’s Better, Safer Care reforms to put patient safety

first, eliminate avoidable harm and improve the quality of health care across the state.• $15.6 million in preparing for future thunderstorm asthma events and other extreme weather events.• $34.2 million to boost health and medical research.• $14 million for delivering Victoria’s Cancer Plan, including 10,000 additional breast cancer screens

and increasing the number of Victorians participating in the National Bowel Cancer Screening program.

• $12.7 million will be invested in delivering innovative approaches to healthcare.• $8.3 million for genomic testing of rare undiagnosed conditions.• $406.7 million investment to meet our most urgent mental health needs, including $45.2 million

towards expanding forensic mental health services to make our state safer by improving access to assessment, diversion and appropriate treatment for mental illness.

• $78.4 million to treat substance abuse, including: $12.4 million to expand services for people during transition in and out of alcohol and other drug treatment, increased phone and web-based support, 30 new alcohol and drug rehabilitation beds and counselling and treatment services.

• $1,313 million for the Ending Family Violence: Victoria’s Plan for Change strategy that will implement every Royal Commission into Family Violence recommendation. This includes funding for 17 support and safety hubs that will provide triage, information and service access to those experiencing family violence. The funding will provide additional supports including housing. Two new agencies will be established. Family Safety Victoria will oversee the hubs and delivery of other key service delivery initiatives. A family violence prevention agency will also be established to coordinate and support prevention and behavioural change activities. To protect vulnerable children, an additional 450 child protection workers will be employed and an extra 100 targeted care packages provided.

Volume 1: Departmental overview Page 7

• $166.2 million for disability initiatives that support Victoria’s commitment to the National Disability Insurance Scheme. This includes an additional 256 Futures for Young Adults packages that provide support for young people needing assistance and skills development to participate in the community after they leave school.

• $316.1 million investment in the state’s sporting infrastructure and programs. This includes the Stage 3 redevelopment of Melbourne Park and initiatives to increase female participation in sport.

• $82.6 million for financial assistance to low income families in meeting their electricity, gas and water costs.

• $4 million to support young people’s engagement with work, school, family and community life.• $5.9 million to deliver Safe and Strong, the government’s strategy for promoting gender equality in

Victoria.

Page 8 Volume1: Departmental overview

6 How to use this document

Volume 1: Departmental overviewThis volume details the establishment, vision and a budget overview of the Department of Health and Human Services.

Volume 2: Health operations 2017–18Volume 2 (coloured purple) applies to all organisations funded by the former Department of Health.

The Department of Health and Human Services policy and funding guidelines 2017, Volume 2: Health operations 2017–18 (‘the guidelines’) present the system-wide terms and conditions (for funding, administrative and clinical policy) of funding for government-funded healthcare organisations.

The guidelines reflect the government and department’s role as a system manager and underpin the agreements at an organisational level (Statements of Priorities (SoPs) and Service Agreements). They set out the requirements that funded organisations must comply with in addition to their contractual and statutory obligations, outline the activity that is required in order to receive funding, and detail expectations of administrative and clinical conduct.

The guidelines are relevant for all funded organisations including health services, community service organisations and other funded organisations such as Ambulance Victoria.

Volume 2: Health operations is presented across five chapters. The chapters separate the pricing and funding models from the administrative and clinical conditions of funding. The aim is to improve the clarity and accessibility of the guidelines.

Chapter 1: Overview, key changes and new initiatives

Provides an overview of the accountability framework for funded organisations and introduces the most significant developments in funding, policy, government priorities and service delivery for the coming year.

Chapter 2: Funding arrangements for Victoria’s health system

Details the funding arrangements for public hospital services and for all other outputs provided by the department.

Chapter 3: Pricing arrangements for Victoria’s health system

Details the pricing arrangements for public hospital services and for all other outputs provided by the department.

Chapter 4: Conditions of funding

Outlines the relevant standards and policies that may apply. In order to receive funding from the Victorian Government, all funded organisations must comply with standards and policies that ensure the delivery of safe, high-quality services and responsible financial management.

Chapter 5: Funding and activity levels

Provides the tables detailing the modelled budgets for 2017–18 as well as the activity tables that detail the 2017–18 targets for a range of programs across the health system.

Volume 1: Departmental overview Page 9

In addition to following these guidelines, funded organisations are expected to comply with all the relevant policy documents and guidelines. A list of the key policies and guidelines can be found at <https://www2.health.vic.gov.au/about/policy-and-funding-guidelines>.

Hospital circulars provide updates on the changes that affect health services during the year. These are available at <https://www2.health.vic.gov.au/about/news-and-events/hospitalcirculars>.

Funded organisations should always refer to the Policy and funding guidelines website for the most recent version of the guidelines, as items may be updated throughout the year.

Where these guidelines refer to a statute, Regulation or contract, the reference and information provided is descriptive only. In the case of any inconsistencies or ambiguities between these guidelines and any legislation, Regulations and contractual obligations with the State of Victoria acting through the department or the Secretary to the department, the legislative, regulatory and contractual obligations will take precedence. Each funded organisation should refer to the relevant statute, Regulation or contract in order to ascertain all the details of its legal obligations. If any funded organisation has questions in relation to its legal obligations it should seek independent legal advice.

Volume 3: Human services policy and funding plan 2015–19, update 2017–18This volume applies to all organisations funded by the former Department of Human Services and forms an integral part of the Service Agreement.

The Service Agreement sets out the contractual arrangements between the organisation delivering services and the department providing funding to the organisation.

The Service Agreement Schedule 1 Applicable Departmental Policies lists the Department of Health and Human Services policy and funding guidelines and the Service Agreement Information Kit as the two key departmental policies that relate to the Service Agreement.

The guidelines and the kit provide supporting information to the Service Agreement for organisation and department staff.

Volume 3 includes the following chapters.

Chapter 1: Overview and key initiativesProvides an overview of the department’s objectives, key initiatives, new policies and acronyms.

Chapter 2: Human services output budget information and unit pricesOutlines the department’s budget for human services output funding to community service organisations, and details the new funding initiatives and unit price table.

Chapter 3: Operational and program policiesProvides information about the Department of Health and Human Services’ operational and program policies including responsibilities, priorities, initiatives and legislation.

Chapter 4: Activity descriptionsIncludes descriptive information regarding service activities, targets, registration and standards, and performance measures.

Combined volumes for the sectorsFor all health funding information, budget, cost weight and target tables go to the Policy and funding guidelines <https://www2.health.vic.gov.au/about/policy-and-funding-guidelines>.

For all community service sector funding information and activity tables go to <http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/policy-and-funding-plans>.

Page 10 Volume1: Departmental overview