Vista Hill - Outcomes

There are many reasons to measure the results of our services…

To support continuous service improvement – a clear benefit to students, clients and consumers
To validate expenditure of costs for a service – ensure accountability
To comply with funding entities and/or referral sources – and go beyond the required reporting
To attract new or additional funding
To stand ready for “Performance Based Contracting” - a growing requirement by funding entities including donors and foundations.

Vista Hill stepped out early as a social services organization willing to commit resources to outcomes measurement, above and beyond that required in a services contract. Recognizing the dynamic nature of change, the system we use has evolved and improved over time with feedback on what is and isn’t working. Our internal efforts involve the UCSD Health Outcomes Assessment Program to design the outcomes tools, collect and interpret data, and produce meaningful reports.

To further develop outcomes in the non-profit sector, Vista Hill co-sponsored a three part seminar in conjunction with the County of San Diego in 2003. Entitled “Measuring the Impact You Make”, the seminars featured presenters from a number of organizations such as The Urban Institute, The Performance Institute, Corporation for Standards and Outcomes and the Health and Human Services Agency Contract Support Department.

Vista Hill serves a wide range of individuals and families in its’ three divisions of Special Education & Training, Family Recovery and Support & Treatment programs in multiple locations. Our client and consumers may participate in short term prevention classes lasting a number of weeks. Or, they may be in outpatient treatment programs for months. And still, others may be in special education or training services spanning several years. Outcomes measurement must incorporate and address the unique needs of each Vista Hill program.

The key challenge is to set realistic improvement measures, establish and maintain data collection systems and create useful reporting mechanisms for internal and external stakeholders.

The Vista Hill approach to outcomes follows a commonly understood set of methods and processes.

Know your population
Identify the issues, needs and successful determinants
Select instruments, collect and analyze the data
Interval reporting to management, staff and other interested stakeholders
Utilize in making program adjustments and for pursuit of service funding

To see a summary of previous years’ outcome results, please click here.