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J2SI program evaluation shows strong housing, health and fiscal outcomes

25 October 2024
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An evaluation of Sacred Heart Mission’s Journey to Social Inclusion (J2SI) program, delivered as a Partnership Against Disadvantage (PAD) from 2018 to 2023, has highlighted both strong client and economic outcomes.

 

The Victorian Government commissioned KPMG to conduct a three-stage evaluation of the J2SI PAD, with the final evaluation report delivered in December 2023 and released in July 2024. This report focuses on the final outcomes for clients in the program, and the economic outcomes of J2SI as a PAD.

The J2SI program was developed by Sacred Heart Mission in 2009 and refined over many years. Under the PAD, an innovative financial structure and incentives were adopted, and housing was sourced in new ways. The PAD provided a foundation for the J2SI program to be scaled up to support 180 clients from 2018-2023.

The KMPG outcomes evaluation drew on data sourced from consultation with stakeholders; and analysis of client outcomes data from Sacred Heart Mission’s Trauma Informed Client Support and Planning Outcomes Tool (TICSPOT), the Victorian Social Investment Integrated Data Resource (VSIIDR) and program documentation.

The KMPG outcomes

The KMPG outcomes evaluation drew on data sourced from consultation with stakeholders; and analysis of client outcomes data from Sacred Heart Mission’s Trauma Informed Client Support and Planning Outcomes Tool (TICSPOT), the Victorian Social Investment Integrated Data Resource (VSIIDR) and program documentation.

The evaluation found that the PAD supported the achievement of positive client outcomes and informed subsequent homelessness programs and policy, drove greater J2SI program accountability and rigour and resulted in new ways of working and capability uplift for stakeholders.

Additionally, the cost-benefit analysis (CBA) estimated the incremental costs and benefits attributable to the program compared to what could have been expected without a Housing First response and long-term support. This assesses to what extent the PAD represents ‘value for money’ on the use of government services, such as health, mental health, alcohol and other drug (AOD) services, housing services, family violence services and corrections.

Findings from the CBA result in a per client net benefit of $350k

The CBA highlighted that the PAD clearly represents ‘value for money’ with an estimated benefit cost ratio (BCR) of 2.20 and estimated Net Present Value (NPV) of $18.7 million over the analysis period that includes but is not limited to:

  • An estimated reduction in clients’ monthly use of clinical mental health services across all service types analysed, resulting in an avoided cost of $3.6 million
  • An estimated reduction in clients’ monthly use of homelessness services across all service types analysed, resulting in an avoided cost of $8.8 million
  • An estimated reduction in clients’ monthly days in custody, resulting in an avoided cost of $4.5 million; and
  • An estimated improvement in the value of clients’ quality of life of $14.6 million.

Findings from the CBA result in a per client net benefit of $350k over the full evaluation period of financial years 2019-2034, recognising the program benefits are expected to be realised beyond the service delivery period.

The CBA findings are consistent with the Victorian Government’s focus on client outcomes under its Early Intervention Investment Framework, where improvements in client health and wellbeing contribute to long-term reduction in the use of government services.

Quote from Minister for Housing, Harriet Shing

“Journey to Social Inclusion program gives people experiencing homelessness safe and secure housing, and an opportunity to rebuild their lives.”

“We are pleased to partner with Sacred Heart Mission and private investors to deliver this life-changing program. These positive outcomes are testament to the importance of Social Impact Bonds, and our commitment to addressing homelessness in Victoria.”

https://www.dtf.vic.gov.au/partnerships-addressing-disadvantage/investments-underway

Media Contact:

Holly Cooper

Manager, Communication, Marketing & Advocacy

communication@sacredheartmission.org