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Is headspace making a difference to young people’s lives?

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2. Evaluation Methodology<br />

2.1 Aims of the evaluation<br />

The independent evaluation of <strong>headspace</strong> aimed <strong>to</strong> assess the extent <strong>to</strong> which the program is<br />

achieving its objectives, with a specific focus on:<br />

1. the processes of program access and engagement for <strong>young</strong> people and how these can be<br />

enhanced<br />

2. the effectiveness of the <strong>headspace</strong> program in achieving improved outcomes for clients<br />

across multiple areas (mental health, physical health, drug and alcohol use, and social and<br />

vocational participation)<br />

3. the efficiency of the service delivery model, and<br />

4. the costs and effectiveness of <strong>headspace</strong>.<br />

These four areas comprise the scope of the evaluation as specified in the Department’s original<br />

Request for Quotation. The evaluation methodology was designed <strong>to</strong> align with departmental<br />

requirements that highlight two evaluation purposes: <strong>to</strong> assess program effect, and <strong>to</strong> identify ways<br />

<strong>to</strong> enhance the program. Further, the evaluation was designed <strong>to</strong> answer key research questions that<br />

were developed from departmental specifications (provided in Appendix A).<br />

The multi-purpose evaluation and key research questions have informed the evaluation design which<br />

is multi-method and longitudinal (2013-2015). This report presents findings by key research questions<br />

where possible.<br />

2.2 Evaluation data sources<br />

The evaluation draws upon both quantitative and qualitative data. Some of these data are drawn from<br />

sources which existed prior <strong>to</strong> the evaluation and others are primary data collected for the evaluation.<br />

Table 2.1 provides a summary of evaluation data sources.<br />

Table 2.1 Summary of evaluation data sources<br />

Name Source type/description Dates<br />

<strong>headspace</strong> Centres Services<br />

Application (hCSA)<br />

<strong>headspace</strong> Centres Finance<br />

Application (hCFA)<br />

Administrative data collected by <strong>headspace</strong><br />

from clients and service providers<br />

Existing administrative data source<br />

Census of Population and Housing Secondary data source 2011<br />

2013/14 financial year is evaluation<br />

reference period<br />

2013/14 financial year is evaluation<br />

reference period<br />

Social Policy Research Centre 2015<br />

<strong>headspace</strong> Evaluation Final Report<br />

11

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