Broward County COORDINATED ASSESSMENT

COORDINATED ASSESSMENT CONTINUED  The HEARTH Act Final Regulations in 24 CFR 578 defined a centralized or coordinated assessment system as a process designed to coordinate program participant intake, assessment, and provision of referrals.  “A Way Home” Plan approved by BOCC establishes the framework .

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WHAT THE HEARTH ACT SAYS A COORDINATED ASSESSMENT SHOULD DO  1) Cover the geographic area  2) Be easily accessed by individuals and families seeking housing or services  3) Be well advertised, and  4) Include a comprehensive and standardized assessment tool 3

WHAT A COORDINATED ASSESSMENT IS It is:  A standardized access and assessment process for ALL Clients AND  A coordinated referral process for Clients to receive prevention, housing, and/or other related services 4

WHY COORDINATED ASSESSMENT?

 Reduces Inefficiencies:  Households making multiple calls or waiting for many days to access services  Long waitlists  Designated outdoor locations-having to return multiple times before placement is available  Provider data system not connected  No system-wide criteria for prioritization based on need, leaving most vulnerable without assistance 5

ADDITIONAL REASONS FOR COORDINATED ASSESSMENT  NEED!

 A powerful tool for improving system-wide entry, assessment, and referral processes  Process components include:       Access points (virtual or specific site location) Screening and assessment process (prevention/diversion/refer) Information about available services and programs Real-time knowledge about program inventory and capacity Referral and waitlist management Enrollment/admission decision criteria 6

MORE REASONS FOR COORDINATED ASSESSMENT  Experience with the Rapid Re-Housing Demonstration (RRHD) and HPRP  Four years of evidence  Improvements in as little as one year  Can help end chronic homelessness  Different models, same core principles  Improvements for all demographics 7

HOW TO ACCOMPLISH  By making assessment locations clear and coordinating their activities  Assessment and referral procedures standardized  Data sharing easy and more prevalent  Prioritizing households that have the most urgent needs for available beds 8

STANDARDIZED ACCESS AND ASSESSMENT

Access Assessment Assign

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ACCESS  Various models, standardized process; Broward’s model is:  Multi-site (North, Central & South)  2-1-1 Assessment hotline  Homeless Assistance Centers emerge as primary referral points  No “wrong” door 10

ASSESSMENT  Meet Client, provider, and funder needs  Document Client’s homeless history and housing barriers  Match Client to appropriate services  Capture data to meet program needs 11

ASSIGN  Qualities of a good referral system  Accurate: Matches Client needs  Informed: Matches facility availability  Effective: Provider accepts and enrolls  Standard: One process, all Clients and services  Comprehensive: All funder and provider fields  Digital: Uses HMIS, two-way communication  Mandatory: Every provider, every time 12

KEY POINTS GOING FORWARD       Do Clients know how to reach the assessment centers? Are they easy to reach?

Is there a consistent, standardized process for determining Client need?

Is there a reliable data system?

Is there a process in place for guiding Clients needing to enter the system to the right program based on need?

What happened when Clients enter the system?

How will programs and resources change to become more efficient, effective, and better accommodate need?

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