Trillium's Discharge Outcomes Study: Learning From Our Clients' Experiences
As part of our efforts to continuously improve the programs that we offer at Trillium Family Services, our Research Assistant, Tundi Balogh, contacts families and guardians
to learn about their experiences after their children leave one of our programs.
The Discharge Outcomes Study is designed to track the overall situation and health status of former clients at three or six months after they discharge from residential or
foster care. Whether the young person transitioned to another level of care, moved home or to a foster family, Tundi contacts parents and guardians to collect information about
the children's progress since leaving Trillium. In order to compile information about clients' positive outcomes as well as ongoing challenges, Tundi asks a variety of questions
including open-ended and multiple choice questions.
The study, which started in 2004, has provided a wide range of important information in terms of both encouraging progress and areas where we can improve our services. Some of the
most inspiring stories came from families who said that their children were doing much better in their schools and communities after they received treatment at Trillium.
One grandparent, beaming with pride, reported that her grandson was now enrolled in the Talented And Gifted (TAG) program at his school. The boy, who had a history of abuse and trauma,
is now getting along better with family members and learning to laugh and smile after years of challenges. Another family was eager to tell Tundi about their use of a poster board to keep
track of their son's responsibilities and achievements. Although he has been struggling with Asberger's Disorder for years, the young man is now able to operate according to written
expectations, which helps him to stay focused on his tasks and expectations. Parents and guardians also talk about their children's participation in after school activities, their ability
to receive feedback and communicate effectively, recognition of their emotions, and the successful use of their coping skills during difficult times.
Tundi says the surveys also reveal areas where Trillium can improve practices. Some parents felt that more support after their child's discharge was necessary, and that their child may have
benefitted from a longer residential stay. Tundi says some responses indicated frustration with insurance providers that would not allow the young person to remain in Trillium's care for a l
onger term in spite of Trillium's clinical recommendations.
Our programs and services evolve as new innovations in children's mental health care emerge, and we work hard to be sure young people receive the very best treatment and ongoing support from
Trillium staff. One important aspect of Trillium's philosophy is the inclusion of parents and guardians in their children's care. Along with family visits and therapy sessions, parenting classes,
and in-home skills training, the Discharge Outcomes Study is an integral part of how Trillium works with families and guardians to help young people heal and to improve the mental health services
in our community.
About Trillium Family Services
Trillium Family Services, a nonprofit organization, is the leading provider of mental and behavioral
health treatment for Oregon's most vulnerable children. Through our comprehensive array of services, we offer
individualized care that is family centered. Trillium's programs include residential care, community-based programs,
mentoring and skills training, and innovative complementary treatments such as horticultural, canine, and equine therapies.
Last year, Trillium helped build brighter futures with more than 5,000 children and families through programs in the
Portland Metro area and in the Mid-Willamette Valley.
