DCF has been working towards implementing performance based outcomes in all of its social service contracts. Although many providers have included such measures in their contracts for a number of years, DCF has recently taken a few steps to formally integrate the concept statewide.  First, in July 2008 (FY 2009) the Department revised its standard Annex A document to accommodate their inclusion. In the Summer of 2009, DCF advised its community partners that it would seek to establish consistency in the way it measures the effectiveness of similar types of services and posted draft performance outcomes on our Web site for providers to review.

In August, 2009 a Contract Workgroup consisting of DCF staff and representatives from the service provider community was formed.  This workgroup examined the Department's contracting practices and made recommendations for improvement.  As part of its charge, the workgroup reviewed performance measures and benchmark percentages proposed by DCF.

For contracts that renew in January 2010 and thereafter, DCF will work together with the provider community to incorporate into each Annex A, the updated performance objectives and corresponding percentages that now appear on the links to the right. For a printable version, click HERE.

During this first year, DCF and community providers will test and review the proposed measures, and over a period of time modify the outcomes and thresholds to more accurately depict programmatic effectiveness and success.  As part of this effort, DCF will host a series of focus groups throughout the State using members of the Contract Workgroup to help facilitate discussions and secure broad-based input from local services providers.

These collaborative efforts will help ensure that the best and most effective services are provided to New Jersey's children and families.