Outcomes: A New Approach for Policy Makers and Service Delivery Professionals

"Outcomes" is an often used word in our industry - we use it to express a positive trait or impact on the recipients of social services. Unfortunately, it has become too often misused or interpreted.

In this Cúram Position Paper, we offer a new perspective on outcomes and the implications for
policy makers and service delivery professionals. At its very simplest, outcomes address the core issues that lead to disadvantage rather than just treating the symptoms. A focus on outcomes leads to a reduction in costs for society over the longer term as people experiencing social disadvantage become active participants in society rather than long-term consumers of high cost social services.