Projects

Understanding the Value of Centralized Services

2020-2022
Human Services Federal Research and Evaluation

Project Overview

Objective

To deepen the understanding of how families apply for and receive services from multiple programs and benefits in one place, and the cost and benefits of centralizing services. 

Project Motivation

To summarize the findings from existing research on this topic and build on this knowledge base by documenting client and staff experiences receiving and providing services at up to three sites.

Partners in Progress

MEF Associates 

Prepared For

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation

VOCS aims to deepen the field’s understanding of how people apply for and receive benefits and services from multiple programs in one place.

Driven by the Congressional directive in the H.R.2740 Appropriations Act, the Understanding the Value of Centralized Services (VOCS) project will explore how Centralized Community Resource Centers (CCRCs) can reduce burden on constituents and ensure cost-effectiveness of social benefits through three main parts:

  • Expert consultations and stakeholder engagement to refine the study design, provide input on the literature review and selection of sites to visit, and share feedback on study products
  • A review of literature that contributes to the definition of centralized services and identify service models, implementation strategies, and costs and benefits of implementing centralized services
  • Visits to sites that centralize services to learn about the experiences of clients and staff who receive and provide services
Study findings will be presented in a variety of products, including a final report, and disseminated through multiple channels to ensure that the knowledge generated under this project reaches key audiences and stakeholders.

Related Staff

Pamela Holcomb

Pamela Holcomb

Principal Researcher

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Elizabeth Brown

Elizabeth Brown

Senior Researcher

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Nickie Fung

Nickie Fung

Researcher

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