Program Outcomes Related to Standards Definition Outcomes are

Program Outcomes Related to Standards

Definition § Outcomes are directly related to the performance standards. § Outcome measures are established as part of the agency’s mission and goals.

Direct Outcome Measures § Tangible products/direct measures. Such as: § number of users served § amount of cash benefits § amount of food § incidences of health and dental care

Direct Outcome Measures § § § Specific events of the agency Consumer satisfaction data Financial data, program costs, and expenditures § Time frame for services to be delivered § Time frame for discontinuing services

Indirect Outcome Measures § Intangible products/indirect measures, such as: § informal networks § preventive services § self-help groups

Measurable Objectives § Outcomes are usually linked to measurable (quantifiable) program objectives that the program is expected to achieve and that can easily be verified. Objectives should be designed to:

Ways to Measure § § Increase, aid, develop, expand, enlarge Decrease, reduce, lessen, diminish Promote, advertise, publicize Start, create, initiate, begin, establish, implement

Examples of Measurable Objectives § Increase the percentage of needy elderly living alone receiving in-home services by 25 percent by 1 January 2008 § Decrease the number of single parent families in poverty by 20 by 1 January 2007

Examples Continued § Expand services to disabled children served by the program until 50 percent of the needy children in the community are receiving services. This objective is to be reached by 31 July 2008 § Double the number of low-income children served by the program in 2008

Examples Continued § A Board of Directors composed of employees of SAD, parents, local government, social workers, and health care workers § At least half of the Board should be women