Evaluation of the Integrated Humanitarian Settlement Strategy (IHSS)

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Methodology
A1.1 Overview of methodology
This section details the methodology undertaken in conducting the Evaluation of the Integrated
Humanitarian Settlement Strategy and the Commonwealth-funded services for survivors of torture
and trauma.
The brief identified the following components to the fieldwork:
initial consultation phase
review of background data and documentation
finalisation of evaluation framework
development of an evaluation Website, including an open invitation to make written submissions
field trips to each State/Territory to conduct:
group interviews with clients who have used the services
in-depth consultations with management and staff from selected IHSS (both contracted and
voluntary) and EHAI/PASTT providers
in-depth interviews with other local key stakeholders
interviews with relevant DIMIA and DHA service staff and other national key stakeholders.
The details of each of these components are discussed below.
A1.2 Initial consultation phase
The initial consultation phase included the following key tasks:
Project briefing with key staff from both DIMIA and DHA, where comprehensive background
information and the policy context for the evaluation were provided.
Teleconferences with both the IHSS and Torture and Trauma Reference Groups. The members
of these groups are experts in the field and provided the consultants with valuable background
information and key issues for consideration for the evaluation methodology, including the
selection of clients.
Meetings with both Reference Groups to assist with the recruitment of clients and the design of
question guides.
A1.3 Review of background data and documentation
The following activities were carried out for this phase of the evaluation:
familiarisation with the IHSS and EHAI/PASTT services
brief review of the nature and placement of refugee and humanitarian entrants
review of the policy context of the services
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Evaluation of the Integrated Humanitarian Settlement Strategy 27 May 2003