Determining client need in a multi-state fetal alcohol syndrome consortium: from training to practice

Table 1 Comparison of needs assessment activities conducted by states in formal training "train" and in the field "field."

Needs Assessment Activity	Other educational resources		Difference Game		Assessment instruments		Discussion between ss and clients		Support, care, or personal plan		Discussion between ss and other staff		Motivational Interviewing
	Train	Field	Train	Field	Train	Field	Train	Field	Train	Field	Train	Field	Train	Field
State A
Staff	No	No	No	No	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Support Specialist (SS)	No	No	No	No	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	Yes	No	No	No	Yes
State B
Staff	No	No	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	No	No	No	Yes	No	No	Yes	No
Support Specialist	No	No	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	Yes	No	No	No	No	Yes	Yes
State C
Staff	No	No	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	No
Support Specialist	Yes	Yes	No	No	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	No	No	Yes	Yes	No

Other educational resources: educational publications and information from other agencies.
Difference Game: an interactive game that enabled clients and social workers to identify and prioritize client needs.
Assessment instruments: consortium evaluation tools such as the Addictions Severity Index.
Discussion between ss and clients: informal discussions outside other needs assessment activities.
Support, care or personal plan: a document that outlined intervention activities for the client in the FAS intervention.
Discussion between ss and other staff: conversations between the support specialist and state site staff, supervisors or trainers.
Motivational interviewing: specific interviewing techniques used to assess need.

ISSN: 1744-9081