Future Directions: Study Protocol for an Effectiveness-Implementation Hybrid Evaluation of a State-based Social Housing Strategy and Three Social Housing Programs

Lisa Ann Cameron; Lena Etuk; Jessica Hateley-Browne; Guyonne Kalb; Belinda Parker; Vanessa Rose; Ferdi Botha; Diana Contreras Suarez; Nicolas Herault; Jordy Meekes; Julie Moschion; Rosanna Scutella; Yi-Ping Tseng; Ella Creet; Danika Koop

doi:10.7565/ssp.v4.5712

Lisa Ann Cameron University of Melbourne
Lena Etuk Cultural & Indigenous Research Centre Australia (CIRCA)
Jessica Hateley-Browne Centre for Evidence and Implementation (CEI)
Guyonne Kalb Melbourne Institute: Applied Economic and Social Research, University of Melbourne
Belinda Parker Centre for Evidence and Implementation (CEI)
Vanessa Rose Centre for Evidence and Implementation (CEI)
Ferdi Botha Melbourne Institute: Applied Economic and Social Research, University of Melbourne
Diana Contreras Suarez Melbourne Institute: Applied Economic and Social Research, University of Melbourne
Nicolas Herault Melbourne Institute: Applied Economic and Social Research, University of Melbourne
Jordy Meekes Melbourne Institute: Applied Economic and Social Research, University of Melbourne
Julie Moschion Melbourne Institute: Applied Economic and Social Research, University of Melbourne
Rosanna Scutella RMIT University
Yi-Ping Tseng Melbourne Institute: Applied Economic and Social Research, University of Melbourne
Ella Creet NSW Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ)
Danika Koop NSW Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ)

Keywords: social housing programs, effectiveness, implementation, hybrid design, costs

Abstract

Background: In the Australian state of New South Wales nearly 60,000 approved applicants are waiting for social housing. Future Directions for Social Housing is a response to this challenge. This collection of housing programs aims to provide more social housing, support and incentives for leaving social housing and a better social housing experience. This document presents the protocol of the evaluation of these programs and the overarching Future Directions Strategy.

Methods/Design: The evaluation will use a Type 1 effectiveness-implementation hybrid design, with an integrated, dual focus on assessing the effectiveness of Future Directions and better understanding the context for reform implementation. Program effectiveness will be examined using quasi-experimental techniques applied to linked administrative data. The implementation context will be examined via program level data, qualitative interviews and focus groups with stakeholders and tenants. Some quantitative survey and administrative data will also be used. Findings from the implementation evaluation will be used to inform and interpret the effectiveness evaluation. Economic evaluations will also be conducted.

Discussion: This methodology will produce a high-quality evaluation of a large, complex government program which aims to facilitate rapid translational gains, real-time adoption of effective implementation strategies and generate actionable insights for policymakers.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.7565/ssp.v4.5712