“This Network Guide to Measuring Family Development Outcomes serves as a review of information accumulated over the past two decades in work with the Community Services Network to define valid and reliable outcome measures. The background and history, progress with implementing Results Oriented Management and Accountability (ROMA) to date, and the most recent ROMA goals and outcome indicators are presented in Section 1, Chapter I. In Chapter II we present a review of some exemplary approaches by state and then provide Systems Assessment Criteria for use in comparing approaches. In Chapter III we present in more detail one exemplary approach to the measurement of family development outcomes: The Automated Assessment of Family Progress (AAFP). Section 2 provides guidance on How to Develop Outcomes beginning with a review of general information related to the paradigm shift from focusing on service units to outcomes (Chapter IV). In Chapter V we examine how to make outcome evaluation efficient and effective, and then in Chapter VI explore defining and deciding on which outcomes to measure using a step-by-step approach. Section 3 contains Outcome Development Tools which may serve as a curriculum for training in the development of outcome measures or as aids in work by agencies to determine outcome measures for family development. Chapter VII provides worksheet for use in defining outcomes followed by some case examples of their use. The final Chapters present a glossary of terms (Chapter VIII), some additional family development instruments that may be useful (Chapter IX), and Chapter X is a list of references cited throughout the document. The Guide is designed to provide the reader with sufficient background and knowledge of ROMA to develop relevant outcomes for any family development program. The AAFP is presented in detail as one approach that could be adapted for use. Tools are then provided that can be used to train in the development of family outcome measures or aid in start up of a new system.” – Publisher’s description
