Local Area Coordination

Local Area Coordination is a powerful innovation, first developed by Eddie Bartnik in Western Australia. It is designed to ensure that people's lives and support are positive and connected to all available community resources. It has been successful at reducing isolation and institutionalisation.

The model works by embedding a Local Area Coordinator within a small local community. There they form real relationships with local people and families and help people to prevent undue dependence on services and to get better lives.

Key elements of the Local Area Coordination role include:

1. Helping people to develop their own vision of a good life
2. Encouraging people to recognise their own strengths and real wealth
3. Ensuring access to useful information about what is available
4. Helping people build and sustain their own networks
5. Strengthening people's voice and ability to advocate for themselves
6. Assisting people to take practical steps for change
7. Working to develop new inclusive opportunities
8. Enabling people can access their entitlements or local services

An image which represents these functions is set out below:

The publisher is The Centre for Welfare Reform.

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