Whats NEW? the design is the same as the past DTS/NETS services.
The same model is being used by most (new) providers though some are just tagging the position on to already existing public services. (more money to prop up their existing services).
The service begins early this year and will receive $9.1 million annually.
Hopefully money well spent. Will the services see this? Why was it not given to the past successful DTS/NETS service?
It brings together district and non-enrolled truancy services into one - enabling providers to target resources where they are most needed.
Inaccurate statement.
Both the DTS and NETS were disbanded by the MoE to make way for what they call a 'new Service. Nothing is NEW!
The ministry has encouraged those people employed in the former district and non-enrolled services who wanted to work for a new provider to register now with the ministry so their names can be passed on to the new providers.Deputy secretary, regional operations, Katrina Casey confirmed that, so far, about half had done so.
Some (new) providers are NOT picking up past DTS/NETS workers even though their names have been put forward. Many ex Officers feel absolutely shafted by the MoE after years of dedicated service under very restricted funding and little support from the MoE.
"The new service will take the best of the previous system and develop new ways so that it is more responsive to the needs of learners and their families - particularly among Maori and Pasifika communities," Ms Casey said. "A strong part of our requirements of the providers is that they have good connections with other agencies and services, and can work across agencies to provide the right type of support needed to not only get learners to school but ensure they stay there and are fully engaged in learning.
This was successfully done by the past DTS/NETS services. Past Officers will be very surprised if they can find anything NEW.
There was NO need to re-invent the wheel
"It will enable agencies to build a better understanding of non- attendance - making it easier to identify trends and causes, and achieve a more consistent and effective practice, developing early intervention strategies to prevent non-attendance."
Ms Casey said reducing the number of services from 78 to 18 will also simplify the system.
The service providers have been selected following a robust tendering and contracting process over the last few months.
"Schools will be able to build more effective relationships with providers and other key agencies like social services to intervene quickly to prevent problems arising."
Again this was already done by the past DTS/NETS providers
(the above report was from the Waikato Times)
Comment
To reduce the numbers of services was to reduce the workload for the MoE especially in collecting the Milestones.
The wise thing to have done was to merge all services into one (they have done this) BUT! using the existing DTS and NETS.
Putting the contract out into the Public Sector was a mistake. Some Public Services may have their own agenda.
Query
What Legal Act protects Services now? Past Officers worked under Section 31 Education Act 1989.....sd