The Regional Research Institute for Human Services at Portland State University conducted an evaluation of the Clark County, Washington System of Care for children with severe emotional and behavioral problems. This six-year program was funded by a $6.5 million grant from the Center for Mental Health Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, within the US Department of Health and Human Services. Clark County is one of 61 sites across the country to receive federal funding.

Clark County's System of Care

Clark County System of Care participants included: mental health, child welfare, juvenile justice services, developmental disability services, alcohol and drug services, and the public schools.

A policy council consisting of family members and participating agencies oversees Clark County's System of Care.

System of Care participants work together to create a more integrated, comprehensive response to the needs of Clark County children with severe emotional and behavioral problems and their families.

More specifically, the overall goal of the Clark County System of Care is to link participating members with common outcomes, shared information systems, shared resources, strengthened community support, an integrated case management system, and a rigorous evaluation.

RRI Evaluation

Detailed Evaluation Information

Evaluation of the Clark County System of Care will take place at both the national and local levels.
The national is the most comprehensive study to date of a children's mental health service delivery program and community-based approach to system development that addresses highly prevalent mental health problems.
Data collection involves interviewing approximately 100 families each year. Families will be interviewed every six months over a three-year period.

Project Goals

Describe who is being served by the System of Care.
Describe how children and families experience the service system and how they use services and supports.
Show whether there are observable child and family outcomes that can be plausibly linked to implementation of the System of Care.
Estimate the cost of serving children in the System of Care.
Assess the effectiveness of the System of Care approach as compared to usual service delivery approaches.

Clark County Children's System of Care Evaluation Summative Report, October 2004
Executive Summary
Full Report
Appendix H - Detailed analyses

Concluded Project - end date 11/30/2004 Clark County System of Care Evaluation - Children's Mental Health

Concluded Project - end date 11/30/2004

Clark County System of Care Evaluation - Children's Mental Health