Measuring the Performance of Human Service Programs

Today stakeholders demand accountability from government and nongovernmental human service organizations. Performance measurement has become the major method of performance accountability. So how can human service organizations develop and utilize program output, quality, and outcome performance measures to satisfy stakeholders? This Second Edition of Measuring the Performance of Human Service Programs explains in detail how to measure and assess program effectiveness. With special attention given to the four types of outcome performance measures—numeric counts, standardized measures, level of functioning (LOF) scales, and client satisfaction—this updated classic is the only resource focused exclusively on performance accountability and performance measurement in the human services. Features in This Edition Provides a fundamental understanding of performance accountability and performance measurement in human service programs with comprehensive and up-to-date material Utilizes the systems model as a conceptual framework— a common conceptual framework in social work and the human services Explains the different types of output (efficiency) performance measures—time, episode, material Includes updated examples of efficiency, quality, and effectiveness performance measures in human service organizations An Instructor′s Resource site offers PowerPoint slides for each chapter and suggested assignments to accompany each chapter. Intended Audience This book is designed for graduate courses on social work and human services and is also a invaluable resource for practitioners in human service organizations.

About the Author

Lawrence L. Martin is Professor of Public Affairs, Social Work and Public Administration at the University of Central Florida in Orlando. He was previously on the faculty of the Columbia University School of Social Work in New York City where he directed the program in social work administration. He is the author of 20 books and major monographs and over 100 articles and book chapters. Peter M. Kettner was a professor at the Arizona State University School of Social Work. He authored six books, 50 articles, monographs, and book chapters on the topics of purchase-of-service contracting, privatization, macro practice in social work, human services planning, and social work administration. Over his 30 year career in academia he served as a consultant to five different state human service agencies and dozens of local nonprofit agencies on their purchase of service contracting practices and in the design and implementation of effectiveness-based planning systems.