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46 <br /> Outcomes Work Group Report <br /> August 1, 1996 <br /> Introductory Remarks <br /> When the Task Force convened, the charge to the outcomes committee was to <br /> develop measurable outcomes statements for the human service delivery system. In <br /> retrospect, our experience must have been much like that of Lewis and Clark who, as <br /> they set off to explore the Northwest Territory, believed they could reach the Pacific <br /> Ocean by following the course of the Missouri River. <br /> We found that we couldn't write measurable outcomes without first agreeing on what <br /> would indicate a change or improvement, how much these factors needed to change <br /> to show acceptable progress, the how we would establish the starting points or <br /> benchmarks. Our task became much easier when we decided to begin where we were <br /> and make recommendations about needed improvements, including training and <br /> assistance in writing outcomes. <br /> Several relevant points grew out of our discussions. Outcomes have to be realistic. <br /> We can't do everything and, for those things we can do, the outcomes will be "less- <br /> than-perfect." The most sobering realization was that some current recipients will be <br /> left in the lurch and our community is not preparing for that probability. <br /> As an additional assignment, the Task Force asked our work group to develop <br /> guidelines to help operationalize the vision and mission statements. We submit these <br /> below along with a list of essential services and some of the recommendations <br /> suggested during the course of our discussions. <br /> Submitted by: <br /> Chris Moran, Chair <br /> Phil Cooke <br /> Tony Dalton <br /> Anita Daniels <br /> Tara Fikes <br /> Rev. Sharron Freeland <br /> Eleanor Lockland <br /> Joyce K. Moore <br /> Amy Rabb <br /> Sue Russell <br /> Denise Shaffer <br /> Karen Taylor <br />