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The afternoon panel consisted of representatives of local organizations that have <br />developed and implemented service outcomes and measures. Those panelists were <br />Tom Maynard, OPC Mental Health; Chris Moran, Inter -Faith Council; Sue Russell, Day <br />Care Services Association; and Jan Schopler, School of Social Work. <br />Each panelist described examples of organizations in our community that are at <br />various stages of development regarding this process. Although the concept is new to <br />some, many local agencies have been involved in this process for years. As a result, <br />there are available resources among ourselves that can provide assistance to others. <br />Although the specific outcomes for any particular organization or program will differ, <br />some of the technology involved in implementing outcome evaluations would be <br />uniform. <br />Conclusion <br />The Forum concluded with Dick Edwards, Dean of the UNC School of Social <br />Work and Chair of the Orange County Welfare Reform Task Force, presenting an <br />overview of the day. He noted that the new Welfare Legislation has a provision that <br />requires states to report the expenditure of block grant dollars in terms of outcome <br />measures rather than process measures. This provision is probably an indicator of <br />similar terms to be included in future proposals. <br />It was stressed that human services professionals should be prepared and <br />proactive with these impending changes. This time should be viewed as an opportunity <br />to become involved in the process - to take control of it - rather than have it imposed <br />upon us. <br />To meet these changes, agencies must undergo a paradigm shift or a change in <br />attitudes about conducting evaluations. Agency directors may want to use a <br />collaborative self - evaluation process, involving all staff, as well as various stakeholders, <br />including clients. <br />The recommendations of the Welfare Reform Task Force were also highlighted. <br />It was important for the task force to have a shared vision and mission of what the <br />quality of life should be like for all Orange County citizens. The vision and mission <br />statements were adapted from the work of the HSAC, first adopted by the Board of <br />Commissioners in December 1991. <br />The outcome criteria should be: <br />• measurable; <br />• support our vision; <br />• focus on people; <br />• provide a basis for setting priorities; <br />• address prevention as well as intervention; and <br />• reflect reality. <br />c:\winword\forum96.rpt <br />