Our local Gladstone Region social service sector is investing in improved accessibility of social services for children and their families, with the introduction of the Gladstone Region Program Database.
The database, designed by the social service sector, is a new tool making it easier for practitioners to access information about local programs and services, for better-informed, quality referrals. The database will provide centralised access to program information including eligibility criteria, referral pathway, capacity, and the best point of contact to enable referrers to ensure that their clients receive the best possible support.
Program Database Mapping Activity at the Gladstone Region Childhood Builders Workshop – August 2024
The need for improved access to program information was identified across our local social, health and education sectors in 2023 as a key priority to better support our families and children, enable our practitioners in their roles, enhance job satisfaction, and reduce disengagement of clients as a result of disjointed and long wait times for supports. The database is designed to complement existing Community Services databases and avoid duplication with a longer vision to optimise all local investments in the goal of effective referrals.
You can read more about the identification of a local Program Database as a priority in the news update: Improving Client Outcomes through Better Access to Program Information
The investment of our local collective service system in developing the database, on top of existing heavy workloads, will be realised by the collective effort of individual organisations to contribute and keep program information up to date.
Commitment to Reliability
The commitment of individual organisations to provide program information and update information when changes occur, will be critical to the reliability and usefulness of the collective database.
Test Phase
The Program Database will soon be available for sector practitioners to test. The database currently includes over 150 program entries contributed by 35 organisations across our region.
Call to Action!
Join with other sector practitioners to walk through the Program Database, review the user guide, define evaluation and measurement practices and shape the next steps for launch and use of the database. Participants will provide valuable feedback to refine design and functionality of the database, ensuring the tool is fit for purpose to effectively help navigate and support program search experiences.
The Gladstone Region Program Database - Launch Readiness Workshop
When: 12:30pm-2:30pm Tuesday 5 November 2024
Location: CQUniversity Gladstone Marina Campus, Leo Zussino Building
2. Share your program details for inclusion in the Gladstone Region Program Database before its launch. By joining other organisations, you're contributing to a vital tool for improving quality of referrals, and ultimately the quality of life for children and their families in our community.
Social Services
The initial capture of the Program Database includes a broad catalogue of wellbeing services as identified by social service sector organisations listed on the Gladstone Region Social Services Sector Map.
Current programs listed include supports for:
Families
Children
Youth
Housing
Community Health Services
Domestic Violence
Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs
Welfare
Neighbourhood Centres
To participate in the workshop or to include your organisation’s program details in the Program Database, please contact GRT:
P: 07 4970 7382