Safeguarding the future conference - Canberra, 23-24 May 2024

Model coherency

In this presentation, John Armstrong describes Model Coherency as it applies to Human Services.

The construct of model coherency is one of the themes of Social Role Valorisation (SRV) theory.

What are Model Coherency and Model Incoherency?

Every service has a framework that guides the way it is organised and executed, even if it is not consciously recognised.

A service model has several components, including

  • underlying assumptions about the individuals being served and their needs
  • the content delivered to address these needs, and
  • the processes through which the content is delivered, which reflect the underlying assumptions.

These processes include

  • the service setting
  • the selection and grouping of individuals served
  • the identities of the service providers
  • the activities and methods used to deliver the content, and
  • the language used to refer to all of these.

Once these elements are combined, they form a service model that is applied to actual individuals.

If the model elements fit well together, it is considered a coherent model.

However, if there are elements that do not fit well or do not meet the needs of the individuals served, then there is a type of model incoherency.

In this presentation, John Armstrong describes Model Coherency as it applies to Human Services. This presentation was recorded during an SRV Peer Group meeting in July 2023.

Meet John Armstrong

John armstrong speaking into microphone while presenting on stageJohn Armstrong has worked with people and families of people with a disability for over 40 years. He has worked as a trainer and consultant across many settings with individuals, families and agencies throughout Australia and New Zealand.

John is one of only two Senior Trainers of SRV (Social Role Valorisation) in Australia. He has presented on the topic of SRV in many international forums. He contributed two chapters of the recently-published book: Aging and the Good Things of Life: The Application of Social Role Valorization to Supporting People as They Age.