7 The support and development approach to outcomes

7. The support and development approach to outcomes measurement

Centrepoint and its support and development approach Clare Norton, Sharon Lewis, Jean Byrne

Young homeless people 1553 young people worked with Centrepoint, 2005 -06 • 397 refugees • • • 318 runaways 824 rough sleepers 261 care leavers 417 without qualifications 304 who had difficulty writing English 519 who had English as their second language 194 who had mental health support needs 95 who had drug support needs 79 who had alcohol support needs

Young homeless people • Diverse and complex needs require a sophisticated response • Holistic service - practical, personal, social, learning and work needs • Work with the young person: start “where they are at” • Work in partnership - broker access to widest possible range of services

Meeting individual needs • Not just about accommodation and housing • Assessment of presenting needs and underlying causes through. . . – A “curriculum” – Support and development approach – Quality relationships with significant others/role models central to long term development

Centrepoint Support and Development On-Line – Design and implementation What is Centrepoint Support and Development On-Line and why did Centrepoint develop an IT outcome tool? • Interactive, ‘web based’, assessment tool for young people • Enables young people to record their self-assessment • Useful tool to engage young people • Enhances Centrepoint’s Support & Development Approach

Centrepoint Support and Development On-Line – Design and implementation What is Centrepoint Support and Development On-Line and why did Centrepoint develop an IT outcome tool? • Wanted to move away from paper based records • Will monitor ‘positive development’ outcomes and the difference Centrepoint is making to individuals • Commissioned a consultant to work on assessment areas • Commissioned an IT technology solutions company ‘BISWEB’

Phase 2 – Development of Centrepoint Support and Development On-Line • What is next for Centrepoint Support and Development On-Line? • A user satisfaction module • Develop reporting function for performance information • Tool to support CP partnering by adding another module for client details

Phase 3 – Support and development • Further sophisticating our approach to work with young people • Developing staff capacity through risk assessment, drugs training and development, and good practice groups • Working to limit non engagement through learning assessment • Refining and streamlining the support and development tools with young people and staff input