The National Resource Center for Family Centered Practice has worked with the Institute for Community Collaborative Studies (ICCS) since 1998 to document validity and reliability of tools known generically as Matrix Models. Standards and criteria for reliability and validity of Matrix Model scales have been established and provide a research base for the integration of outcome assessment and effective strength-based practice.  Technical assistance has been provided across the country on balancing the science of outcome measurement with the art of service delivery and the capacities and resources of local agencies. In 2003 NRC published the Network Guide to Measuring Family Development Outcomes [click here] which documents a variety of exemplary approaches and describes how these approaches work. Lessons learned are provided for identification, implementation, use, reporting and improvement of outcomes of family development programs.

You can find additional information related to Matrix Models by clicking on the following links.
Automated Assessment of Family Progress (AAFP) (Brad Richardson)
Funded by the Department of Health and Human Services through a grant to the Iowa Community Action Association, this project developed an automated system for measuring outcomes of Community Action Agencies. The system is operational in all CAAs in the state of Iowa. Technical assistance in learning how to use the database was provided by the NRC. An article entitled Matrix Model: The Automated Assessment of Family Progress:  Lessons from the Field Part II can be found on page 26 of the Spring 1999 issue of Prevention Report.  Click here. 

Matrix Evaluation Model (Jerry Endres)

To learn more about the  Family Development Matrix Evaluation Model, a tool which when implemented, is able to document and track the well-being and stability of families, agencies, and community functioning.  Click here:

http://www.matrixoutcomesmodel.com/

The Packard Foundation funded reliability studies are also located at:

http://matrixoutcomesmodel.com/mainpublications.php

The example indicators are on the Matrix website at: 

http://matrixoutcomesmodel.com/exampleindicators.php

 

Life Skills Progression (Linda Wollesen)
The Matrix Model was also utilized in creating a new tool and assessing the impact of public health nurse home visits.  Click here to read an article by Linda Wollesen from the Spring 2001 Prevention Report entitled Catching the Wind... Research & Outcome Tools Capture Family Strengths, Demonstrate Service Impact and Change Nursing Practice.   Click here for a link to the book at Amazon.

Evidence Base for the Matrix Model/LSP: Home Visits Using Reflective Approach Improve Functional Health Literacy Among Low-Income Pregnant Women and New Parents

Contact Brad Richardson, Ph.D. for further information about Matrix Models.
brad-richardson@uiowa.edu