Implementing Coordinated Assessment Under the New CoC Regulations National Alliance to End Homelessness Monday, September 10, 2012

Logistical Notes  Participants are muted.  Any questions should be entered in the box at the bottom of your webinar panel.  Unanswered questions may be addressed in future blog posts or other materials.  Webinar is being recorded.

Agenda for Today’s Webinar  What is coordinated assessment?  What do the regulations say about coordinated assessment?  What are the key aspects of a coordinated assessment process?  What does the Alliance recommend considering or doing as you develop a coordinated assessment process?  What are some basic next steps?

Latest News from HUD  CoC interim rule went into effect on August 30  Comments are being accepted until October 1  New technical assistance products are available on HUD HRE website HUD HRE  New Alliance products: summary available now, draft comments and recommendations coming soon

Definition of Coordinated Assessment  “Centralized or coordinated assessment system is defined to mean a centralized or coordinated process designed to coordinate program participant intake, assessment, and provision of referrals. A centralized or coordinated assessment system covers the geographic area, is easily accessed by individuals and families seeking housing or services, is well advertised, and includes a comprehensive and standardized assessment tool.” (Section 578.3)

Potential Models  Centralized  Decentralized  Telephone-based/2-1-1  Mobile case manager  Mixed

Written Standards  Communities must develop written standards for transitional housing, rapid re-housing, and permanent supportive housing that cover:  Eligibility  Prioritization  Method for determining appropriate amount of rent household should pay * High-performing communities – prevention asssitance

Other Items of Note  Should be designed locally  Must work with Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) grantees

Key Aspects

Access Assessment Data Entry and Sharing Referral Program Intake* System Change

Key Points: Access and Assessment  Access: Do consumers know how to reach the assessment centers? Are they easy to reach?  Assessment: Do you have a consistent, standardized process for determining consumer need?

Key Points: Data and Referral  Data: Do you have a reliable data system that is being used properly?  Referral: Is there a process in place for guiding consumers needing to enter the system to the right program based on their needs?

Key Points: Intake and System Change  Intake: What happens when consumers enter the system?  System Change: How will programs and resources change to become more efficient, effective, and better accommodate need?

Recommendations Based on CoC regulations

No. 1: Plan a system that includes accommodations for domestic violence survivors  Consider safety, certification, and data concerns  Ensure DV survivors are connected to housing opportunities  Examples: Montgomery County/Dayton, OH; Whatcom County, WA; Grand Rapids, MI

No. 2: Include prevention and shelter diversion  Consolidate emergency rental assistance funds at the front door  Develop brief prevention/diversion screening tool  Have case managers ready to mediate tenant disputes

No. 3: Break down program barriers  Identify people being screened out  Look at entrance requirements with a system lens (incorporating cost, need, model)

No. 4: Develop written standards based on best practice  Use written standards to support careful targeting and best practice  Ensure higher-cost, service-intensive interventions support households with the most difficult barriers to being re-housed  Think progressive engagement

Next Steps

Getting Started  Select a steering committee  Develop a model and identify population- appropriate assessment centers  Sketch out current and desired processes

Next Steps: Access and Assessment  Access: Establish assessment sites, keeping in mind current consumer patterns.  Assessment: Develop a prevention/diversion screening tool and identify who will administer it.

Next Steps: Data and Referral  Data: Develop a data sharing form and a protocol for sharing bed availability.  Referral: Begin working on written standards.

Next Steps: Intake and System Change  Intake: Cut duplication.  System Change: Close “side doors” and begin reviewing program entrance requirements.

Other Considerations  How assessment will work for different populations  Role of outreach team  Evaluation and adjustment strategy

Additional Resources  Coordinated Assessment Toolkit Coordinated Assessment Toolkit  USICH Retooling Crisis Response Systems Toolkit USICH Retooling Crisis Response Systems Toolkit  HUD Coordinated Assessment Guidebook – coming soon

Questions?  Webinar IS being recorded.  For questions about the webinar or coordinated assessment: