9.2 Monitoring based on outcomes and service quality
One important policy objective for community collaboratives is determining the results to be achieved and the measurement of their progress, because what gets measured gets done. However, what is measured, how it is measured and why it is measured all need to be carefully considered to ensure that the goals are supported by data readily available at the state and local levels. The most effective results-based systems measure broad population level outcomes that ensure contributions from all sectors and improve the overall result. [i] State outcomes should be linked to measurements at the community level [ii] because it is the responsibility of the state and community to work together to meet the challenge of helping all youth become successful adults. For example, the state of Vermont focused on supporting community-based planning designed to improve outcomes for children and families and subsequently experienced improvements in the rates of adolescent parenting, juvenile delinquency, and child abuse. [iii]
Policy Option:
States can require that a collaborative process is used with local partners to establish results, collect data , report on outcomes and create accountability.
[i]
Hogan, C. 2001. The Power of Outcomes: Strategic Thinking to Improve Results for Our Children, Families, and Communities www.nga.org/cda/files/1999OUTCOMES.pdf
[ii]
Bruner, C. 2006. Social Service Systems Reform in Poor Neighborhoods: What We Know and What We Need to Find Out, In Community Change: Theories, Practice, and Evidence . edited by Karen Fulbright-Anderson and Patricia Auspos. Washington, DC: Aspen Institute
[iii]
Vermont Communities Count: Using Results to Strengthen Services for Families and Children.
2000.
Baltimore, MD: Annie E. Casey Foundation