Multiple and Complex Needs Initiative
Information for health professionals
November 2015
What is MACNI?
The MACNI service is a time-limited specialist
service for individuals 16 years and older
identified as having multiple and complex needs,
often including those individuals who are
vulnerable and who pose a risk to themselves
and/or to the community.
What does it provide?
The MACNI provider works to identify and
provide support to:
 Areas of the individual’s life which have
been identified as a priority
 Prioritise goals for the individual
 Identify strengths and resilience
The aim of the service is to support a client to
increase
stability,
quality
of
life
and
independence by providing assessment, care
planning, cross sector service coordination and
positive behaviour support.
Support is holistic and based on the needs and
circumstances of the client.
Who is it for?
MACNI may meet the needs of complex TAC
clients who have exhausted all other
applicable service options, have behaviors of
concern (BoC) and who appear to have two or
more of the following:
 A mental health illness
 An acquired brain injury
 Intellectual disability
 A substance use issue
 Significant physical injury
 Exhibited violent and dangerous behaviour
that has caused harm to self or others or is
exhibiting behaviour that is likely to place
self or others at risk of serious harm
 Are in need of intensive supervision and
support and would derive benefit from
coordination of a range of services
 Deliver strategies to engage the individual
 Identify services and supports and their roles
and responsibilities
 Provide crises intervention and contingency
plans specific to the individual as required
At the end of the service the provider will develop
a comprehensive exit/transition plan that will
include client learnings and recommendations for
ongoing support and/or transition to other
services.
Background- How will MACNI assist?
 The TAC MACNI model is based on the
Victorian MACNI model which is managed
by the Department of Health and Human
Services (DHHS).
 MACNI was based on extensive research
and service development and is a time
limited specialist service that involves a
coordinated
approach
to
supporting
individuals to achieve stability in health,
housing, social connection and safety
 The MACNI service provides comprehensive
ongoing support and assessment, care
planning, cross sector service coordination
(e.g. disability, mental health, justice and
health) and positive behaviour support
 The TAC works directly with the Indigo
Program through cohealth, the primary
state-wide provider of DHHS MACNI, and
has a separate referral processes to DHHS
 As the treating practitioner you will be part of
the client’s care team and work in
collaboration with the MACNI provider who
will lead the development of a care plan
How do I know if MACNI is suitable?
MACNI could be a suitable service for your
patient if they:
 Have exhausted all applicable and suitable
existing services and/or other support
options
 Require intensive supervision and support
 Would derive benefit from receiving
coordinated services that may include
welfare services, health services, mental
health services, disability services, alcohol
and other drugs treatment services or
housing and support services
How will MACNI benefit the person?
Support provided via MACNI may assist to:
 Increase stability,
independence
quality
of
life
and
 Reduce formal levels of care to 1:1 or 2:1
care
 Impact and reduce the severity of a client’s
BoC
 Increase capacity for local services in the
community to manage the client
What does the Service Model look like?
MACNI services are delivered in two stages:
1. Care Plan Development (CPD) based on a comprehensive
Assessment and is developed
provider in consultation with the
team
How will it change the way I work?
this is
Needs
by the
treating
2. Care Plan Coordination (CPC) delivered by
the provider
How do I refer?
Any member of the client's treating team can
request a referral to the service.
Contact your client's TAC Support Coordinator to
discuss the service and referral further.
 The provider will deliver the care plan, cross
sector service coordination (e.g. disability,
mental health, justice and health) and
positive behaviour support but will work with
you to develop effective communication
strategies, review existing processes and
where appropriate, recommend changes to
current service delivery strategies
For further information please refer to the Multiple
and Complex Needs Initiative Policy at
www.tac.vic.gov.au