Resource assessment process

The Resource Assessment Committee focused on agencies that provide services related to the two targeted impacts: substance abuse and behaviors associated with mental illness. The committee also targeted agencies providing services for what was seen as a critical time period: after school. Data was collected on these agencies and the services they provide. Data was then sorted by age, level of care, risk and protective factors, and internal and external barriers.

Gap analysis process

The Gap Analysis Committee then began to “sort” through the Resource Assessment Report to identify gaps related to the two targeted impacts: substance abuse and behaviors associated with mental health.

The process of Partnerships for Success is like walking along a path — completing each task leads naturally to the next step. Goals were chosen (targeted impacts or TI) through the needs assessment process and with community input. Risk factors, protective factors and assets (or RPAs), tied to targeted impacts, lead directly to possible solutions or strategies. The resource assessment process helped the committee in identifying gaps in service, indicating where emphasis needs placed in terms of resources (staffing, funding, and/or programming).

Technical assistance provided at the “Writing the PFS Strategic Plan” workshop reassured Hocking County that it often “requires multiple strategies to really create change.” Infrastructure change is, it was explained, another useful and important strategy.

When it was difficult to be clear what “access to quality mental health” (for example) meant in terms of strategy development, it was helpful to ask the committee what the real issues were. “Real issues” the Gap analysis group identified related to mental health included:

1. Mental health not being diagnosed earlier.
• Due to lack of knowledge (for both parents and youth).
• Due to stigma/prejudice (Community norms concerning mental illness).
• And these two “real issues” clearly have different “solutions.”

1. Need early intervention options.

The question on “the real issues” related to each targeted impact was used to help the committee keep on track in developing appropriate strategies.

The committee realized quickly that “the real issues” for substance abuse are the same need for basic education already discussed, the same prejudice and skill training, and the same need for screening and for early intervention. The mental health education programming discussed teaches the very same decision-making skills that the literature recommends for substance abuse prevention. These education and skill training components can be covered with the same school programming, moving our community even closer to real change. Two strategies were then chosen as an initial focus in Hocking County:

1. Mental health/substance abuse education workshops at Alternative School.