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How Do We Measure Success in Homelessness Services? Critically Assessing the Rise of the Homelessness Outcomes Star
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Publication details
| Journal | European Journal of Homelessness |
|---|---|
| Date | Published - 1 Jun 2016 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| Volume | 10 |
| Number of pages | 20 |
| Pages (from-to) | 31-51 |
| Original language | English |
Abstract
The Homelessness Outcomes Star (HOS) is probably the most
widespread form of outcome measurement employed by homelessness
service providers. Developed in the UK, the HOS is now being used by homelessness services in other European countries and Australia, while being promoted internationally as a validated set of key performance indicators. This paper examines the ideological framework that underpins the HOS, as well as the theoretical and methodological approaches that inform its operation. The review concludes that while there is some utility in the measurement of relative progress for individual service users, the HOS has important limits, both as a means of comparative outcome analysis and as a validated measure of homelessness service outcomes.
widespread form of outcome measurement employed by homelessness
service providers. Developed in the UK, the HOS is now being used by homelessness services in other European countries and Australia, while being promoted internationally as a validated set of key performance indicators. This paper examines the ideological framework that underpins the HOS, as well as the theoretical and methodological approaches that inform its operation. The review concludes that while there is some utility in the measurement of relative progress for individual service users, the HOS has important limits, both as a means of comparative outcome analysis and as a validated measure of homelessness service outcomes.
Bibliographical note
© 2016, The Author(s). Uploaded with permission of the publisher/copyright holder. Further copying may not be permitted; contact the publisher for details.
- homelessness, metrics, outcomes
Research areas
Research outputs
Evaluating homelessness services and strategies: A Review
Research output: Book/Report › Commissioned report
Activities
#homelesshack
Activity: Talk or presentation › Invited talk
Department for Communities and Local Government (External organisation)
Activity: Membership › Board
HOMELESS LINK (External organisation)
Activity: Membership › Panel
Making Research Count: New Approaches to Homelessness
Activity: Talk or presentation › Debate
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