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Evaluation Data Reveal Families with Very High Needs

Evaluation Data Reveal Families with Very High Needs

One of the unique components of the Washington Families Fund program is an emphasis on providing long-term funding and support for agencies that serve chronically homeless families with multiple barriers to stability -- families who have been classified as "high needs." These are families who are struggling with serious and persistent mental illness, chemical dependency, domestic violence, chronic illness, Child Protective Services (CPS) involvement, and/or criminal histories.

The High-Needs Service Model is based on the underlying assumption that permanent housing and intensive services lead to better outcomes for children and families who have complex needs and significant barriers to stability and well-being, and that stable housing increases the likelihood that families will remain intact. Since 2008, programs supported by the Washington Families Fund statewide have served 69 High-Needs Families. An in-depth evaluation of the Washington Families Fund High-Needs Family program, conducted by Westat for Building Changes, has resulted in baseline assessments of 57 families over one year.

The baseline assessment reveals that the families served thus far by Washington Families Fund High-Needs Service Model are entering the programs with a greater degree of complex needs than previous studies of homeless families have identified. Eighty-five percent of these families have three or more barriers to obtaining housing and services, including:

Substantial histories of homelessness and residential instability:
• Average number of times homeless in lifetime: 10
• Average number of times doubled up in lifetime: 16

Significant rates of trauma, health issues, and substance abuse:
• Experienced physical or sexual violence: 93%
• Mental health condition: 70%
• Chronic or ongoing medical problem: 63%
• Received substance abuse treatment: 63%

High occurrences of child separation and CPS involvement:
• At least one child living apart: 42%
• Open CPS plan: 25%

The report, Washington Families Fund High-Needs Family Program: Baseline Evaluation Summary, includes a summary of supportive housing programs similar to those funded by the Washington Families Fund and a chart outlining similarities and differences between the programs on several key measures.

Additional information on five years of outcomes from the Washington Families Fund can be found in Washington Families Fund Five-Year Report, 2004-2009.