Income Security: A Roadmap for Change

Supporting people to achieve better outcomes means embedding a new
individualized approach in the system that is built on three pillars of high-impact
interaction: trust, holistic needs assessment and shared responsibility
The reality is that when people first touch programs like social
assistance they have likely experienced trauma of some nature. Any
touch that is not positive is harmful. In addition, the more time that
passes without active support, the more damage that is caused.
Fundamentally changing the current culture is critical to the overall transformation
of social assistance and how it works to actually help people The starting point
must be a comprehensive upfront assessment, using a trauma-informed lens and
complemented if necessary by information from health professionals that will help
identify strengths, needs and barriers as early as possible Such an assessment is
integral to the development of a support plan that is clear, realistic and based on
the person’s most immediate needs, such as finding housing, escaping an unsafe
environment or getting critical mental health or addiction treatment It can also put
people on the most appropriate pathway as soon as possible, including consistent
and effective help in applying to the disability support program
Creating the environment where front-line workers support individuals in creating
a tangible plan that reflects personal goals and promotes autonomy has many
benefits. It results in more productive use of staff time, improved job satisfaction
and better outcomes for individuals and families A key to this positive
environment is a robust and timely process of referrals, so that individuals can
access the supports they need to achieve their plan
This fundamental cultural shift can only be successful if:
• The legislative framework is amended to endorse, support and require
the change, including a clear role in helping people achieve broader social
inclusion goals
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