The project

Review of MacKillop’s Victorian residential care services.

The objective

To inform how MacKillop can better promote the safety and professionalism of its residential care services, and drive improved outcomes for young people in its care.

The role we played

In conjunction with MacKillop Family Services, we:

• Developed a theory of change that defined the client outcomes that MacKillop aim to achieve in residential care. This was used as a guide throughout the review
• Synthesised a wide range of data and perspectives, including from MacKillop staff in operational roles and support services, representatives from the Department of Health and Human Services and other residential care providers
• Formed an assessment of MacKillop’s services, identifying key strengths and priority areas for improvement. The review outlined options to strengthen program components, team structures, and outcomes management practice with the aim of driving improved client outcomes.

At the conclusion of the project we developed reports to communicate the findings and recommendations from the review to a range of stakeholders, including the MacKillop Board.

Project impact

MacKillop now have a detailed assessment of their residential care services, a set of recommended actions that will help drive improved outcomes for the young people in its care, and an approach for monitoring progress.

In addition, the review process has increased transparency across the organisation about the current challenges in service implementation and given front-line teams a voice in addressing these challenges.

An internal governance group has been set up and is taking ownership of the actions recommended through the review.