1. Needs Assessment Instrument Purpose & Elements of Design

2. Instrument  The needs assessment instrument, also known as the intake assessment instrument, is a standardized questionnaire administered by an interview between a social assistant and an applicant either in the applicant’s home or in a program office.

3. Purpose  Determine eligibility or entitlement to a benefit or service.  Determine the specific needs of the consumer.  Determine the capacity of the consumer for self- help.  Determine the capacity for formal and informal support in family and community.  Contribute to the data base used for program planning and improving standards.

4. Principles of Good Assessment Develop an assessment strategy based on an understanding of the decision to be made and the person being assessed Utilize a comprehensive and exploratory approach Make assessment an ongoing process

5. Principles Continued Use assessment procedures and instruments that are valid and reliable relative to the program’s target population (sensitive to diversity in economic conditions, capacity, social status, etc) Assessment instruments should generate data that can be used in planning and decision-making for improving standards

6. Principles Continued Administer assessment instruments under conditions that do not adversely affect participation of consumer (avoid intimidation) Seek opportunities to link assessments with program activities and objectives (does the assessment provide information on ways to improve standards?)

7. Single Assessment Process (SAP): UK The purpose of the Single Assessment Process (SAP) is to ensure that consumers receive appropriate, effective and timely responses to their health and social care needs, and that professional resources are used effectively.

8. SAP Individuals are placed at the heart of assessment and care planning, and these processes are timely and in proportion to individuals' needs. Professionals are willing, able and confident to use their judgment.

9. SAP Continued Care plans or statements of service delivery are routinely produced and service users receive a copy. Professionals contribute to assessments in the most effective way, and care coordinators are agreed in individual cases when necessary.

10. SAP Continued Information is collected, stored and shared as effectively as possible and subject to consent. Professionals and agencies do not duplicate each other's assessments.