Challenges Facing Case Management in a Changing Social Service Environment

Abstract

Case management has been a difficult practice to track, particularly for the purposes of outcome measurements and accountability. As both policymakers and program administrators consider options for providing long-term care, the Data Analysis and Regulations Team of the California Department of Aging studied computerized client information for one of its case management programs to examine what we know about the people being served and the ability of the data collection system to meet the increasing demand for accountability. This article details the results of our study and discusses their implications within the dynamics of a changing social service environment.