Client outcome reporting: the status method.

This paper describes the development and results of a method for capturing client outcomes of community services for persons with severe mental illness. Through the use of status scales, two major elements of community integration, independence of living arrangement and vocational independence can be continuously monitored. The initial results of the method include: unifying previously disparate agendas of state and local officials, enhanced vocational and living arrangement outcomes for clients, instigating program improvements, and the increased exchange of staff rewards. In addition, the method is economical whereby data on a worker caseload of 30-40 can be collected in about 20 minutes.