Table of Contents >
Chapter 25. Changing Policies >
Section 10. Modifying Policies to Enhance the Quality of Serv... >
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| Contributed by Phil Rabinowitz Edited by Bill Berkowitz |
Checklist
Here you will find a checklist summarizing the significant points of the section.
What do we mean by modifying policies to enhance the quality of services?
__ You ensure that the people offering the services are competent through licensure and certification or other measures.
__ You ensure that the facilities offering services, or where services are provided, meet basic physical and practice standards through licensure and certification or other measures.
__ You confirm that individuals, programs, and facilities follow the ethical rules of their professions, or, if none exist, they employ high ethical standards in their work and in their relationships with other organizations, funders, and the community.
__ You require that programs are aware of and use the best appropriate practices available in delivering services.
__ You ensure that services are available and accessible to those who need them.
__ You demand that individuals and programs set or follow and apply appropriate quality standards that both benefit and safeguard those who are affected by the services provided.
__ You allow for the evaluation and modification of services, when necessary, to meet the changing needs of the community
Why modify policies to enhance the quality of services?
You work to modify policy because:
__ It assures, to the extent possible, a minimum level of quality.
__ It shows seriousness of purpose, and establishes the issue as one that should be treated seriously.
__ It demonstrates respect for the target population.
__ It gives the community confidence that the issue is being handled appropriately.
__ It lends credibility to both the effort and to the organization(s) providing services.
__ It can increase the chances that an intervention or service will be effective.
__ It addresses the foundation on which quality standards are usually based.
You are careful in modifying policy because:
__ It assures only a minimum level of quality.
__ It may filter out imaginative solutions and people with valuable talents and skills.
__ An emphasis on professionalism may alienate the target population or the community.
__ Bureaucratic requirements may present barriers to talented individuals and organizations.
__ Changing policy may not address the problem.
Who should work to modify policies to enhance the quality of services?
__ Where possible, you form and/or participate in a broad-based coalition to modify policies.
If a coalition isn't feasible, you work through:
__ An advocacy organization.
__ Community based organizations that work with the target population and the issue.
__ A local initiative including members of the target population.
__ A local branch of a professional association.
When should you try to modify policies to enhance the quality of services?
You try to modify policies:
__ Before services begin, to ensure best practices and best quality.
__ At the beginning of a new service period or funding cycle.
__ When services prove unsatisfactory.
__ When regular assessment and reporting shows little or no progress on a particular issue.
__ When new possibilities or information become available.
__ When public opinion demands it.