Accountability

Evaluation is essential for successful policy implementation and to ensure intended outcomes.  Accountability requires determining whether programs are implemented correctly, the right programs and strategies are used, progress is measured appropriately and children and families are benefiting.

• Monitor results.  Through data, other information, and consultation, it is possible to determine if the results we set out to achieve for children and families have been attained.  By reexamining the selected indicators we can measure our progress toward the desired result

• Monitor performance.   Oversight requires policy makers to determine if policy objectives have been achieved by focusing attention on the performance of specific programs or agencies. This involves reviewing individual programs and their impact on the lives of the people the program is designed to serve.

Determine if the strategies are contributing to better results and meeting performance standards.

• Assign responsibility for realistic outcomes.   Responsibility for outcomes should be designated based on the appropriate roles, resources and capacity of public and private stakeholders.

• Establish oversight bodies that consistently review key actions by state agencies.

• Measure and report progress to stakeholders and the community.  Require public availability of data to allow administrators, policymakers and the public to measure the state’s progress on key outcomes.

Oregon’s Department of Human Services and its partners are improving mental health services to children by involving parents and youth in decisions, delivering more children's mental health services in the community, improving inter-agency cooperation and acknowledging the child's language and cultural heritage.