About Victorian Carer Services Network

Vision

The VCSN is a peak body for regional and state wide carer services and aims to create and maintain an accessible, responsive and integrated carer support and community information system that takes a planned approach to identifying and addressing carer and information service provision issues.

Membership

The VCSN is made up of Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centres, Support for Carers programs and Carers Victoria, and has close partnerships with affiliated networks such as the Victorian NRCP Services Network.

History

In 1996 the Commonwealth Government through its National Respite for Carers Program and the Victorian Government through its Support for Carers Initiatives provided funds to improve services for carers.

As a result ten new services were set up throughout Victoria, one in each Victorian health region, and two in the Barwon region. (In the Eastern Metropolitan and Hume regions, the Commonwealth and State funds now sit with different organisations - all members of the VCSN.)

The aim of these services is to provide information, carer support and respite co-ordination for carers. These services together with  Carers Victoria form the Victorian Carer Services Network.

Statement of Purpose

The Victorian Carer Services Network is a network of service providers involved in the delivery of  carer and information services.

The VCSN will strive for strong interagency collaboration and partnership. The network is committed to a system where carers and the community can access responsive and integrated support.

The purposes of the VCSN include:

1. Promotion of consistency and collaboration between regional and statewdie services

2. Enhancing and maximising benefits for carers and the commuity by defining service interfaces between member agencies

3. Identification of issues and service gaps regarding carer service and community information provision

4.Liaision with various levels of government and reporting gaps and issues to them

5. The development of strategies to address identified service gaps and issues

6. Advocacy and negotiation regarding carer service and information provision issues

7. Promotion of best practice and quality carer service and information provision

8. Facilitation of peer support and professional development for staff of member agencies

9. Collaboration of members on joint projects as appropriate; and

10. Development and maintenance of strategic relationships with other peak bodies regarding policy and advocacy issues.