Abstract
Vaughan, G. (1993). What is a broker?: An evaluation of the Hamilton Disability Resource Centre Bokerage Service. Unpublished Master of Social Science Thesis. Hamilton: University of Waikato.
The Hamilton Disability Resource Centre was funded by the Department of Social Welfare in July 1990 to employ one broker to provide an independent, individualised planning service for people with disabilities. In June 1992, in response for the need to get feedback on how the service was being delivered, the evaluator conducted a formative evaluation looking at the service process and outcomes. Data was collected between July and September 1992. Clients who had used the service and service providers who had contact with the broker were interviewed. In all fifty-three interviews (including three in-depth interviews) were carried out.
The evaluator found out that the roles preformed by the broker involved; client needs assessment, planning, accessing information, linking clients to services and resources, advocacy, mediation and developing informal support networks. These work roles drew on both broker-of-service models of case menagement and the service brokerage model. The absence of individualised funding however, meant a lack of money to pay for needed services. As a result the broker advocated for needed services and resources, instead of negotiating funded service contracts between clients and service providers as outlined in the service brokerage model.
Another main finding of the evaluation was that all clients interviewed found the service helpful. Clients found after using the service that they had clearer personal goals and direction (60%) and more information of what services and resources were available to them (55%). Most clients (90%) also reported feeling in control of all the decisions being made during the planning process.
Other findings were; that most clients preferred to meet with the broker on an individual basis, that 88% of clients had not received a similar service in the past, and that all clients said that they would use the service again if the need arose. Most service providers thought that Hamilton needed a brokerage service. Both clients (40%) and service providers (30%) thought the service should be more widely advertised and promoted.
The evaluation identified the main success of the service as bringing about change on the individual client level rather than addressing system barriers for people with disabilities. Specific recommendations were made concerning identification of areas for the further development of the brokerage service. |
Community Psychology