The Psychology Centre

Practice Outcome Assessment for Children and Youth with High and Complex Needs.
Shane Harvey & Amber Barry
(Massey University, Palmerston North)

John Fitzgerald
(The Psychology Centre, Hamilton)

Ian Evans & Simon Bennett
(Massey University, Wellington)

The challenge of children and youth with high and complex needs (HCN) led to the development of a joint sector approach in New Zealand to meet their needs. The strategy, aptly named the ‘Intersectoral Strategy for Children and Young People with High and Complex Needs’ encourages collaboration at various agency levels to streamline service delivery and improve outcomes. However, the need to assess outcomes with a standardised and robust battery of measures that are user friendly, objective, and appropriate for use in New Zealand, was recently identified by the HCN Intersectoral Unit. To address this, a research team based at the Massey University was commissioned to independently evaluate suitable measures. The Psychology Centre worked collaboratively with the Massey team to achieve these ends. This research was funded by the HCN Unit, which operates under the auspices of the Department of Child Youth and Family Services.

The final report for this project was completed in August 2007. For more information regarding this project please contact Dr. Shane Harvey at Massey University.

Link: School of Psychology, Massey University