Comprehensive Services for Complex Needs: A Report
This paper introduces three service models that aim to improve outcomes for people with multiple and complex needs. Through a detailed review, it assesses the evidence for the three models – Multisystemic Therapy (MST), wraparound, and the link worker model.
Although the three models differ from each other in many ways, they all attempt to support people who have not been helped effectively by services. All three adopt strategies that are:
- holistic
- respond to individual need
- incorporate client choice
- cross professional boundaries
- work specifically to address complex needs.
This report, which accompanies a summary briefing for commissioners, starts by introducing the models and outlining the methodology. It describes the key principles of each and provides context for the available evidence and its applicability to people with multiple and complex needs. It then compares the shared principles across all three models and highlights their distinct features.
The report goes on to discuss the effectiveness of each approach by summarising and assessing the available evidence against a range of outcomes. It analyses key findings on why each model is effective and discusses the overlap between the models and relevant research. It finishes by considering key success factors across the models and summarising our findings.
All three models show promising results and there is reason to believe they would produce long-term savings through reduced use of emergency services and the criminal justice system. They also aim to improve outcomes for people facing multiple and complex needs, a group whose needs are often neglected and unmet. In their positive, creative and persistent approach to people with multiple and complex needs, all three models stand out. They avoid blaming people with multiple and complex needs for being excluded from services. Instead, they offer guidance and optimism in finding out what works.
