National Trauma Transformation Programme: Trauma-Informed Substance Use Pathfinders – Learning Report

Budgets

Given the current financial context it is important to consider budget implications of TI Practice. There are many TI Practice changes that can be completed with minimal budgets, such as changes to language and communications. Other areas of change may require some funding, such as ensuring staff capacity to attend training or apply skills, establishing feedback loops or changing aspects of the environment.

It is important to consider available budgets and weigh the costs of various action against the expected benefits. Potential benefits from sustained TI Practice may be evidenced by organisations through improved service uptake and improved outcomes for people who use the services.

Challenges in the Pathfinder areas

Budgeting challenges to consider included allocation of staff time required to attend the TI lens event, TIPIG meetings, staff training as well as staffing associated working groups. Staff also need to be able to work with suitable caseload sizes to work with people to develop Safety and Stabilisation skills. These issues should be considered in staffing allocation.

Enablers in the Pathfinder areas

The pathfinders had additional resources in the form of the specialist support provided through the project. Changes were made that required minimal additional budget, although these still required additional staff time.

Sourcing additional funding from the CORRA foundation proved invaluable in setting up local community hubs in one pathfinder area.

Pathfinder Recommendations relating to Budgets

• Budget needs to be considered and reviewed when drafting the trauma-informed implementation plan to identify the direct and indirect costs and resources required to implement and sustain these changes. This is a further reason for ensuring senior management are involved in the drafting and progress on implementation plans.
• Service leads can explore additional funding opportunities available for services to access additional budget if needed.
• Consideration could be given to exploring cost savings in quality improvement projects. For example, TI Practice may save money in relation to reducing the amount of people not attending their appointments or reducing levels of staff sickness and attrition.