Syracuse/Onondaga County Coordinated Assessment Cheryl Giarrusso and Rachel Tarr Contact Community Services

What is coordinated assessment? A single place or process for people to access the prevention, housing, and/or other services they need, including the following core components: Info on how/where to access system A place to request assistance Screening and assessment process and tools to determine service needs, program eligibility, and priority Info on agencies and programs that provide services A process and tools for referrals

What is it NOT? Single location/central intake Replacement of current intake policies and procedures on the agency/program level An overhaul of existing services

Coordinated Assessment Checklist Establish Planning Committee Needs: Core work group to provide input and influence over outcome

Coordinated Assessment Checklist Identify Target Population Our coordinated assessment system will serve everyone who is at risk of homelessness or is currently homeless.

Coordinated Assessment Checklist Decide on Structure of Coordinated Assessment No wrong door approach, where any agency can conduct an evaluation and make a referral. Helpline is marketed as the point of contact for assistance.

Coordinated Assessment Checklist Integrate Prevention and Shelter Diversion Needs: More input in assessment tool creation from prevention and diversion resources

Coordinated Assessment Checklist Map Out Existing Assessment and Intake Process Most programs conduct their own assessments and intakes. HMIS offers a general intake form to collect universal data elements. Data sharing in HMIS between agencies needs to be improved. Single women and families access emergency shelter through DSS and/or Helpline.

Coordinated Assessment Checklist Identify Organization to Host Coordinated Assessment Contact Community Services is the primary host of the coordinated assessment planning process.

Coordinated Assessment Checklist Identify Additional Staffing and Resource Needs At this time, there is sufficient staffing and technology to accommodate the coordinated assessment system.

Coordinated Assessment Checklist Identify Data and HMIS Needs The current HMIS system has the capacity to collect and report on the outcomes relevant to coordinated assessment. It has the ability to relay bed availability in real time. Needs: Improve real-time data availability Improve level of information sharing between agencies

Coordinated Assessment Checklist Sketch Out Preliminary Needs Assessment/Screening Tool Needs: Continued input and direction from service providers

Next Steps Establish a coordinated assessment work group that meets regularly to review progress and refine assessment tools. Finalize flow charts and develop comprehensive assessment tool. Incorporate assessment tool into HMIS.

Contact Information Cheryl Giarrusso Director, Telephone and Web Services Contact Community Services, Inc extension 116 Rachel Tarr Coordinator, Telephone and Web Services Contact Community Services, Inc extension 109