A r c h i v e d  I n f o r m a t i o n

Explanation of Changes in Outcomes
for Intensively Served Families

Purpose:  

• To document the status of children and families who receive services through the comprehensive strategy. Repeated measurement of their status shows improvements over time.

This form:

• Charts the status of families when they become involved with the service and helps service providers work with families to set goals and develop service plans. Compiles information on families' strengths and needs. Answers the question, "What do families come to us with in terms of strengths and needs?"

• Charts family status repeatedly to let individual service providers and a partnership know whether targeted outcomes are improving for families. Answers the question, "How are we doing in improving results for children and families?"

• Lets individual service providers and partnerships compare results in specific outcome areas to see if targeted outcomes are improving, whether some outcomes seem to be connected (go up together, stay flat together), and whether a change in direction is needed to target different outcome areas. Answers the question, "Where are we having an impact; where aren't we?"

• Charts status repeatedly for families with different characteristics (e.g., those with single parents, those in particular neighborhoods) which lets a partnership compare results for different groups to see if outcomes are improving for those they meant to serve. Answers the question, "Who seems to benefit most; who seems to need more time or more/and different activities to show improvement?"

Who is involved in documenting outcomes?  

• Who identifies indicators to track? All major partners and representatives of service consumers should reach consensus on the indicators of child and family status they believe will demonstrate the impacts of the comprehensive strategy.

• Who completes forms? Case managers and other service providers with ongoing relationships with intensively served families.

• Who compiles indicators? A designated person (inside the partnership or hired for this specific purpose) with data processing skills.

Who reflects on results?

• The entire partnership, service consumers, and community members.  

How often is outcome data gathered?

• Assessments with families performed at enrollment into services and every six months. Data can be compiled annually to show changes for all clients served in the preceding year.

Refer to pages Chapter 4 in the Guide Book

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[Explanation of Community Report Card] [Sample Survey of Constituent Satisfaction]