Self-regulating service delivery systems: A model for children and youth at risk

A conceptual model of self-regulating service delivery is proposed for use by governments, planners, and policy makers to help children reach optimal adult functioning. It addresses most problems of present service delivery a nd is applicable to children in the general population and registered consu mers of mental health, child welfare, special education, drug dependency an d juvenile justice (young offender) services. It has four essential compone nts: (1) outcome measurements that reflect the mental health statuses of ch ildren in services and in the general population; (2) regular feedback of t hese measurements to governments, the public, and service delivery organiza tions; (3) powerful and significant rewards and incentives for the most des ired outcomes to increase their salience and to motivate provider behavior; and (4) decision making that cart affect all entities that con tribute to the health of children. The evaluable expected benefits are improved mental health for children and greater efficiency within the "system.".