ChampionsInC Develops Community-based Services Assessment Tool

ChampionsInC, a project at the Early Intervention Research Institute (EIRI), a division of the CPD, has released an exciting new community-based assessment tool designed to assist Children and Youth with Special Heath Care Needs (CYSHCN) leaders in a needs assessment process.

This tool, entitled Examining State Capacity for Achieving a Community-Based Service System for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs, focuses on the state's capacity in implementing community-based service systems, and will be a valuable component for the upcoming Block Grant Five Year needs assessments. It can also assist at any point in community strategic planning.

Specifically, the needs assessment seeks to answer the following questions:

1. Who are the best choices for state-level stakeholders to represent families, youth, community providers, and other important players in the service system?

2. What state level policies and practices should be in place to achieve the outcomes in our vision?

3. What policies and practices should be in place across communities in your state?

4. What are some data sources or ways to measure achievements for children, youth, and families

You can read more about this new community assessment tool in their September 1, 2009 ChampionsInC Newsletter.