Interdepartmental Evaluation of the OSISS Peer Support Network

The objective of the Interdepartmental Evaluation of the OSISS Peer Support Network (PDF - external link) was to determine if the OSISS Peer Support Network effectively contributes to the social support needs of CF members and Veterans and to make recommendations to strengthen the program.

The evaluation shows that the OSISS peer support network is a key element of the social support network for CF members and Veterans with an OSI and effectively contributes to meeting their social support needs.

Governance and funding issues still exist. The program could be enhanced through recommended program adjustments.

The five main recommendations include:

1. clear identification of accountability for OSIs within VAC and DND;
2. development and ratification of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between VAC and DND to clarify responsibilities and participation in governance, planning, funding and delivery of the OSISS program;
3. confirm the OSISS Logic Model (program implementation framework), including specific OSISS objectives and performance measures;
4. ensure peer support coordinators are located where the greatest level of support is required; and
5. develop a communication strategy to promote OSISS.

What action is VAC taking to address these recommendations?

1. Clear identification of accountability for OSIs within VAC AND DND
   
   
   • Director General VAC/DND Joint Mental Health Care Project will work with staff of the Modernization Task Force and VAC senior managers to clarify responsibilities and accountability.
   • Proposal to be made available by January 2006 for ADM VS/ADM (HR-MIL) review.
2. Development and ratification of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between VAC and DND to clarify responsibilities and participation in governance, planning, funding and delivery of the OSISS program.
   
   
   • OSISS MOU is being drafted and will be an annex to the overall VAC/DND Centre MOU.
3. Confirm the OSISS Logic Model (program implementation framework), including specific OSISS objectives and performance measures.
   
   
   • Preliminary discussions are underway between VAC and DND to address how we will confirm the logic model.
4. Rationalize the number and location of peer support coordinators based on need.
   
   
   • Rationalization to be developed jointly by the Directors General of the VAC/DND Joint Mental Health Care Project.
   • Draft to be presented to the VAC/DND Steering Committee in 2006.
5. Develop a communication strategy to promote OSISS
   
   
   • Communication strategy promoting VAC services and supports to clients with an OSI to be reviewed/approved by the VAC Mental Health Steering Committee in 2005.
   • A joint VAC/DND Communication Strategy to be developed.