Using Outcomes Data Reports

Outcome measures are essential components of an effective program management and improvement system. Programs can produce reports tailored for specific purposes and audiences (e.g., staff, the program board, funders).  These reports can include a combination of data that provide for the analysis of client services on a variety of dimensions, including:

• Time periods (e.g., monthly, quarterly, annually)
• Geographic areas (e.g., counties)
• Program offices
• Specific substantive issue areas (e.g., consumer)
• Staffing (e.g., individual advocates, practice groups)
• Multiple outcomes aggregated (rolled up) into “higher-level” outcomes

Outcomes data have limitations and do not provide a complete picture of the scope and value of programs’ work. To more fully identify, evaluate, and improve their client services and operational effectiveness and efficiency, programs must use the combination of case outcomes data and other types of data, including outputs data, information from clients (such as that provided through follow-up services) and community groups, and Census data and other information about the characteristics of the client population and service area.

Examples of Outcomes Data Reports Used by Grantees

Reports with outcomes data for all program case services

See a BLRS report with data for all case services in 2012. This report includes a wide  range of financial and non-financial outcomes data  as well as case “success rates,” CSR data, and additional outputs data (e.g., number of persons served).

See a CLAS report with data for all case services in 2013. This includes financial and non-financial outcomes and “success rates” data for extended services case work in each of the CSR problem code areas (e.g., Consumer, Housing, Employment), as well as financial outcomes data for all cases.

Reports with historical trend data for outcomes in different substantive issue areas

See a CLAS report with trend data from 2008 to 2013 showing the success rates for different case types and the amount of financial benefits provided clients.

Reports with outcomes and other data for specific program offices or geographic areas

See a BRLS report with a range of outcomes and outputs data for one of BRLS' field offices, or a BLRS report with the same types of data for a single county in the BRLS service area.

Reports with outcomes for substantive area “practice groups”

CLAS generates monthly, quarterly, and annual reports with a range of outcomes and other data relating to the work of the program’s practice groups. See a copy of the report for the Housing practice group.

Reports with outcomes and other data corresponding to the program’s strategic goals

See a summary report of client services conducted by the Health, Education, Work, Income, and Immigration (HEWII) practice group related to CLAS' strategic goal of “improving safety and health.”

Reports for individual case handlers

BRLS case handlers were initially skeptical about the utility of outcomes measures data but now consider them valuable. See an example of a report with outcomes data and other information regarding the work of an individual case handler.

Reports to funders

For some funding requests, BRLS will include a supplement—not required as part of the application—with outcomes data to show more fully the impact of their work. See one of those supplements or see information about how outcomes data has increased BRLS’s fundraising successes.

CLAS submits reports to funders that combine CSR-type data, outcomes data, and quantitative and descriptive data about the program’s outreach and other community work. See an example of this type of report or see information about how outcomes data have increased CLAS’ fundraising successes.