For researchers working on multi-agency evaluations of collaborative children s mental health programs, developing meaningful, useful, and balanced outcome indicators can be a daunting process. Based on years of experience developing a statewide electronic outcome monitoring system, the authors of this article provide excellent suggestions for other researchers. This article is a rich resource for evaluators, children s service managers, and clinical directors who wish to develop an outcome monitoring system. Functional outcomes reflect the ability of the individual to lead a productive life and include such indicators as school attendance, employment, friendships, etc.
Clinical outcomes represent psychological changes, signs, or symptoms or disorders.
SumOne for Kids emphasized functional outcomes because they are comparable across agencies and provide easily understandable data. To develop outcome indicators, the researchers used social validation techniques. To ensure buy-in, agency administrators also rated the most important issues. The lessons learned while developing these outcomes are listed below. Work toward multiagency adoption of outcome measures.