to

Self-Regulating Systems
Many difficulties arise from the present methods of service delivery for children. Self-regulating service delivery has the potential to address these fundamental difficulties and to bring benefits for all children. The system has four components. I. A set of outcome indicators that reflect the wellbeing of children. II. A regular feedback process to ensure that relevant information gets to those who influence or manage services. III. The use of powerful incentives that are contingent upon the outcomes. This reduces the influence of "deflecting" factors and enhances the focus on beneficial outcomes. IV. Executive decision-making capacity to keep all relevant parties focussed on the outcomes. Self-regulation works like home heat control. The purpose is to provide comfortable warmth. If room temperature is not high enough, the action taken is to turn on the furnace. The outcome of this is measured by a thermometer and fed back to the executive centre (thermostat). The function of the executive centre is to interpret the feedback and make a decision (turn the furnace off or leave it on). Steps for children's services: 1. A mission for the system of care is established, with indicators that reflect the Mission. 2. Measurements are taken at regular intervals, with data transformed into meaningful outcome indicators. 3. Regular progress reports on the well-being of children are provided to all interested parties.



 
4. Rewards for specific achievements are given to organizations, communities or individuals in accordance with the achievement of outcome goals. The system will flounder without strong rewards for achievement, and the nature of these rewards will reflect the importance of children in our society. 5. The executive arm of service agencies will use the outcome indicators to evaluate progress toward goals and, in doing so, will note that some important goals cannot be achieved without cooperative action with others. Their process will help them decide which actions and collaborations will be adopted to lead to improved outcomes in the following years. 6. The cycle will repeat itself, with each cycle will bringing improvement in the mental health of children; our future adults. All will benefit.

Self Reg Chart
Source (Health Canada): Thompson G, Junek W, Boyd L, Kluger J, LeBlanc C, Russell T (1999). Celebrating success: A self-regulating service delivery system for children and youth. Ottawa: Health Canada. Click here for a downloadable copy of the report.
Source (Journal): Junek RW, Thompson AH (1999). Self-regulating service delivery systems: A model for children and youth at risk. The Journal of Behavioral Health Services and Research 26(1), 64-79.
 
 Health Systems Menu