Too often, new projects lack the immediate resources or ability to assess performance in a systematic way or even track a client's progress. To be effective, social service programs must continually have timely information, so they can make good on the promise they offer. There can be challenges in starting-up new projects. The development of an Internet-based electronic management information system is a unique means to enhance program management. The HHS system can be downloaded as a self-executing computer file that can be installed into a program's computer system directly from the HHS Fatherhood Initiative Web site.
Projects can tailor the electronic system to their own needs.
Without timely data, we cannot answer critical questions about how well a project has done in helping people and in reaching its goals. Currently, there is no single source of funding for many newly operating fatherhood programs, nor for the evaluation of these projects. Management information systems are key to measure the effect on clients and their families. As these projects grow and expand, this tool will help the emerging fatherhood field to gain a better understanding of how to effectively meet the needs of fathers and their families. The need for new and better management and evaluation tools was identified as part of the HHS and Ford Foundation collaboration to support projects servicing fathers and young, unwed families.