Implementation of strengths/needs based (S/NB) services in the Oregon State Office for Services to Children and Families (SOSCF) is following a staggered, seven-year plan throughout the state. The six original pilot branches of Polk and Deschutes Counties and the four Portland Metro branches (East, Midtown, N/NE, and St. Johns) are in the fourth year of full implementation of the practice model. All cases in these branches are designated as System of Care (strengths/needs based).

In 1997, eight branches were designated System of Care Phase II (Baker, Clackamas, Hood River, Klamath, Lane, Linn, Sherman, and Wasco County branches). These branches began to selectively designate cases System of Care as they move toward full implementation. Of these, only Clackamas has been added to our evaluation of the six pilot branches, though additional rural branches are being considered.

System of Care Evaluation

In June 1997, we produced our initial report on the first stage of S/NB implementation in the six pilot branches. In that initial inquiry, the evalutation team conducted 171 interviews focused on the experiences and views of family members and their caseworkers as well as foster parents and community partners. That phase of the evaluation was more general, producing an overview on various aspects of the nascent S/NB practice. It included aspects of achieving agreement in the planning process, use of family decision meetings in identifying strengths and needs, individualizing service crafting and the use of flexible funds, forming collaborative relationships with families, foster parents and community partners. The interview process and results of that phase of the evaluation formed the basis of the current, ongoing two year portion of the evaluation.

Beginning in October, 1997, the our evaluation expanded the scope of our research and began a 2-year, longitudinal examination of casework practice. In the first year (concluded in May 1998), we focused interview schedules to capture worker practice at the "front door" of protective services, looking primarily at using S/NB practice from the first contact and the success of engagement. Cases used in this portion of the evaluation were open 30-60 days. These included both cases closed shortly after referral and those likely to remain open. A report based on our findings was submitted to SOSCF in July 1998, and is now available to the public.

Beginning in the fall of 1998, the evaluation followed two groups of cases open approximately 6 months. The first were follow-up interviews of those families interviewed by our evaluation at the front end. However, because not all of those cases remained open, a second group of cases open approximately 6 months were added to increase sample size. The evaluation of cases at the six-month stage focused on continued planning, service delivery, and progress toward goals.

Currently

Over the next year, the evaluation will conduct more interviews of cases at each phase of the case, from case opening to one year. These interviews will focus on outcomes and client and worker perspectives on the usefulness of particular services. There will be interest in whether early engagement is associated with successful use of services, and on barriers and supports to continued work toward goals. Interviewing will continue through the end of 2000, and a final report based on our findings will be submitted to SOSCF in June, 2001.