Transform is a tool that dramatically increases
impact & efficiency
in the social services sector.
It's a modern rethinking of intake & assessment.
Transform is led by a group of leading non-profits using modern tools to refocus the sector on what matters most — CLIENTS — their goals, autonomy of data, supportive referrals, robust communication & data driven insights.
Led by a Group of Leading Non-Profits
- Bissell Centre
- Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)
- Jewish Family Services of Edmonton
- IFSSA - IslamicFamily.ca
Using Modern Tools
- Gamified mobile first design with leading edge UX/UI
- Omni-channel communication that enables communication across the different platforms clients use: What's App, voice, SMS, email
- Machine learning: that helps uncover internal bias and identify future connections
- Unobtrusive biometrics: that reduce barriers for clients
Meaningful Metrics
- Client goals: Measured via an objective open standard: Lifeworks Self Sufficiency™ Matrix and aligned with Common Approach.
Client Centred Design
- Autonomy/portability of client data
- Supportive referrals with follow-up
- Robust communication focussed on those without literacy
Supported by Industry, Academia & Sector
- MetaLab.co the designers of Slack & Facebook Messenger
- Data for Good
- University of Calgary, University of Alberta, NorQuest College
- Aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals
The City of Edmonton is an early investor in Transform because we're committed to supporting innovative, sector-based solutions for client-focused outcomes measurement. Islamic Family has shown a commitment to evidence-based decision making, human-centered design and Common Outcomes Reporting.
The Issues with Intake
1. Adversarial, Inconsistent & Traumatic
- a.Current systems focus on funders, client deficiencies & safeguarding resources.
- b.Not client assets, goals, referrals, dreams.
2. Data is a Chore
- a.Data collection doesn’t benefit the frontline.
- b.Data hygiene is low.
- c.Data isn’t mobile.
- d.Mental health isn’t adequately factored in to our work.
3. Missed Opportunity
- a.Intake & assessment hasn’t been optimized for referrals & building relationships.
Social workers spend only 20% of their time on human interaction. +50% of their time is spent on paperwork!
We want to triple the amount of time staff spend with clients
The Opportunity
1. Interrogation → Conversation
- a.Measure assets.
- b.Minimize the data we ask for.
- c.Maintain connection.
2. Measure & Maximize Goals
- a.Use a peer reviewed, objective system (Lifeworks™) to systematically identify & support clients with their goals.
3. Optimize Collaboration
- a.Make referrals easy & automated.
- b.Supportive follow-ups.
- c.Dramatically improve collaboration.
4. Embrace Innovation
- a.Leverage smart phones, new behaviours & opportunities.
- b.Give clients ownership of their data.
5. Incentivize Staff
- a.Gamify work for frontline staff in meaningful ways. Remind them why they do their job.
- b.Support micro-credentialing/badges.
- c.Make data collection a win, not a headache.
CMHA is constantly looking for new ways to support those who reach out to us. Through services like 211 and the Distress Line we make it simpler for people to access support when they need it.
We're partnering with Islamic Family on Transform because we believe service innovation needs to be led by the sector itself. Better tools for our workers, designed with and for the people we serve, means better outcomes for all.
Giri Puligandla
Executive Director, Canadian Mental Health Association – Edmonton Region
App Highlights…
Transform helps to break the cycle of inequity built into our systems. It is built with social workers who deeply understand the complex needs of people seeking help. It reverses traditional software patterns that prioritize assessing eligibility, funder criteria, and report on efforts. Instead it focuses on building relationships, needs of people seeking help, and intended outcomes.
Andrew Greer
Managing Director I Cofounder, Purppl CCC
Systemic Racism & Bias
Mental Health
What's Different
1. Outcome Focussed
2. Paradigm Shift
- a.A platform for micro-credentialing staff.
- b.Supporting Machine Learning, bias recognition, and more…
3. Sector Driven
- a.Frontline Serving Agencies/ Co-adopters & Drivers
- i.Bissell Centre
- ii.CMHA
- iii.IFSSA - IslamicFamily.ca
- b.Umbrella Organizations
- i.Communities United – Sectoral connector
- ii.End Poverty Edmonton – Sectoral connector
- iii.PolicyWise – Data governance lead
- c.Academic
- i.University of Alberta & MacEwan University (Roundhouse) – Research support
- d.Tech
- i.MetaLab.co – Front end UI/UX
- ii.Startup Edmonton – Development coaching
- iii.HelpSeeker.org – Sharing common referral standard
- iv.Data For Good
- a.Frontline Serving Agencies/ Co-adopters & Drivers
Goals
1. Data collection as a chore → Data drives insights
2. Interrogation (Eligibility) → Conversation (Goals)
3. Transactions → High Impact Referrals
4. Measuring Outputs → Measuring Outcomes
5. Reduce stress & Increase impact
Principles
1. Measure what matters
2. Enhance – don't limit – frontline ingenuity
3. Equip clients with powerful choices
Summary
What's Needed…
1. Partnerships
- a.Support sector collaboration & efficiency
- b.Improve evaluation practices
- c.Dissemination of promising practices
- d.Support client data mobility
- e.Improve sector accountability & outcomes
2. Early Adopters
- a.Willing to commit to shifting processes
- b.Have the ability to invest in evaluation
3. Impact Investors
- a.Can provide the initial investment needed for development
- b.Can invest in $ or expertise
Connect: [email protected]