Assessing Population Needs and System Capacity

The needs of the target population are the first criteria to consider in selecting which evidence-based practices to add to a service array.  Important elements that comprise a needs assessment include:

• Prevalence estimates of child and youth mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders in the target populations (i.e., children and youth within your organization, local area, region, and state)
• Number of children receiving services by disorder, by type of service, and by service sector
• Average frequency and duration of services
• Service capacity review and identification of unmet need
• Service outcomes review
• Cost of current service utilization
• Cost effectiveness of services

The State of Michigan uses the Child and Adolescent Functional Assessment Scale (CAFAS) in partnership with providers to assess needs and monitor outcomes; this process led to the implementation of evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy for depression and parent training. This example illustrates how the use of data promotes an evidence-based culture in children’s mental health in Michigan.

Helpful Links:

• An example of using existing national and state data to determine needs is available in the document entitled Children’s Mental Health in Washington State (2006): A Public Health Perspective Needs Assessment 
• An example of surveying providers to assess needs for clinical services and system capacity is available in the document entitled Children’s Mental Health Needs Assessment in the Bronx (2003)