implementing coordinated assessment under the new coc regulations national alliance to end...

Implementing Coordinated Assessment Under the New CoC Regulations

National Alliance to End HomelessnessMonday, September 10, 2012

Logistical NotesParticipants 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

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 StandardsCommunities must develop written standards for

transitional housing, rapid re-housing, and permanent supportive housing that cover:EligibilityPrioritizationMethod for determining appropriate amount of

rent household should pay

* High-performing communities – prevention asssitance

Other Items of NoteShould be designed locally

Must work with Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) grantees

Key Aspects

Key Aspects

Access

Assessment

Data Entry and Sharing

Referral

Program Intake*

System Change

Key Points: Access and AssessmentAccess: 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 ReferralData: 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 ChangeIntake: What happens when

consumers enter the system?

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

RecommendationsBased 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 diversionConsolidate 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 barriersIdentify 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 StartedSelect a steering committee

Develop a model and identify population-appropriate assessment centers

Sketch out current and desired processes

Next Steps: Access and AssessmentAccess: 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 ReferralData: Develop a data sharing

form and a protocol for sharing bed availability.

Referral: Begin working on written standards.

Next Steps: Intake and System ChangeIntake: Cut duplication.

System Change: Close “side doors” and begin reviewing program entrance requirements.

Other ConsiderationsHow assessment will work for

different populations

Role of outreach team

Evaluation and adjustment strategy

Additional ResourcesCoordinated Assessment 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: thecenter@naeh.org