Improving Family Outcomes at the Local Level

1
Improving Family Outcomes at theLocal Level

• Measuring Child and Family Outcomes Conference
• Washington, DC
• 27 August 2008
• Don Bailey, RTI International
• Melissa Raspa, RTI International

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Outcomes Can Be Used to Improve Program Practices
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Assumptions

• Data patterns can help identify the specific
  types of improvements needed
• Program-level data can address general practices
  and procedures
• Family-level data can be used to individualize
  services to improve outcomes

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5 Types of Family Outcomes (ECO)

• Understand their childs strengths, abilities,
  and special needs (Items 1-3)
• Know their rights and advocate effectively for
  their children (Items 4-6)
• Help their children develop and learn (Items 7-9)
• Have support systems (Items 10-12)
• Access desired services, programs, activities in
  their community (Items 13-15)

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3 Types of Family Outcomes (OSEP)

• Percent of families participating in Part C who
  report that EI services have helped the family
• Know their rights
• Effectively communicate their childrens needs
• Help their children develop and learn

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The Family Outcome Scale (FOS)
Family Support and Access to Services
Helpfulness of EI
Family Knowledge and Ability
To what extent has early intervention helped your
family be able to help your child develop and
learn?
How much does your family know about helping your
child develop and learn?
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Mean item scores for all families can identify
general areas of needed program improvement
Family Support and Access to Services
Helpfulness of EI
Family Knowledge and Ability
Aware of services
Helpfulness in knowing rights
Know rights
8
Anderson Family

• Child has been newly diagnosed with fragile X
  syndrome and recently started services
• Do not know a lot about early intervention or how
  to help child
• Have a lot of support from family and friends

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The Family Outcome Scale (FOS)
Family Support and Access to Services
Helpfulness of EI
Family Knowledge and Ability
10
The Family Outcome Scale (FOS)
Family Support and Access to Services
Helpfulness of EI
Family Knowledge and Ability
Understand childs special needs
Help when needed
Help child behave
11
Smith Family

• Recently moved from out of state
• Does not have a lot of friends and family nearby
• Child has mild form of spina bifida
• The family is familiar with childs strengths and
  needs, but wants more information about community
  supports

12
The Family Outcome Scale (FOS)
Family Support and Access to Services
Helpfulness of EI
Family Knowledge and Ability
13
The Family Outcome Scale (FOS)
Family Support and Access to Services
Helpfulness of EI
Family Knowledge and Ability
Have help when needed
Child participates in activities
Know about services
14
Thompson Family

• Child was recently diagnosed with speech-language
  delays
• Have an understanding of childs needs and
  strengths
• Have been frustrated with the lack of services
  from early intervention

15
The Family Outcome Scale (FOS)
Family Support and Access to Services
Helpfulness of EI
Family Knowledge and Ability
16
The Family Outcome Scale (FOS)
Family Support and Access to Services
Helpfulness of EI
Family Knowledge and Ability
EI helped communicate needs
Comfortable in meetings
EI helped know rights