A Computerized Assessment System for Brief, Crisis-Oriented Youth Services

Abstract

Agencies are moving increasingly to brief models that require social workers to provide rapid assessments of their clients. Recent innovations in computerized assessments have suggested methods to collect data from clients by means of assessment tools. The authors report on a computerized assessment system that was developed to collect information in a brief, crisis-oriented youth-services agency. The assessment system is illustrated with a case from the agency. In addition, the process of development is discussed to assist those who may be developing similar assessment systems.