SOAR SupportingStatement B

SAMHSA SOAR Web-Based Data Form

Supporting Statement

2. Collections of Information Employing Statistical Methods

B. 1. Respondent Universe and Sampling Methods

SAMHSA’s SOAR Technical Assistance Center is working with all states to implement SOAR in their communities. The respondent universe for SOAR-assisted applications and users of the web-based data form is SOAR-trained case managers in these states and communities. However, use of this form is voluntary, and not all SOAR states or communities will use it. SAMHSA is making this available to everyone using the SOAR method to assist those who are homeless to apply for Social Security disability benefits. There is no sampling or respondent selection by SAMHSA.

B. 2. Information Collection Procedures

States may voluntarily use reports generated from this form, application data collected using their HMIS system, or any other method to track outcomes on their SOAR-assisted applications. In 2010 the SOAR Technical Assistance Center received outcome data from 37 states, using a variety of methods of data collection. Data will be summarized by the SOAR Team Lead in each state and submitted to SAMHSA’s SOAR Technical Assistance Center. These data will also be used as part of the national evaluation of SOAR.

B. 3. Methods to Maximize Response Rates

SAMHSA anticipates that having the SOAR data form online will make it easier for case managers to track the outcomes of the applications they completed using SOAR. SAMHSA anticipates that approximately 75% of SOAR states/communities will elect to use this web-based form. When OMB clearance is received SAMHSA will provide training on the use of the web-based data form.

B. 4. Tests of Procedures

Seven representatives from three states, Nebraska, Maine and New Jersey, and staff from Mathematica Policy Research were asked to review a prototype of the web-based data form (see A. 8). Feedback was incorporated into a revised version of the web-based form.

B. 5. Statistical Consultants

Policy Research Associates, as contractor for the SOAR Technical Assistance Center, has responsibility for development of the web-based form and annual data collection for SAMHSA’s SOAR Technical Assistance Center. In addition these data will be used as part of the national SOAR evaluation, conducted by Mathematica Policy Research.

Government Project Officers:

Pamela Fischer (Government Project Officer)

Social Science Analyst

SAMHSA/Center for Mental Health Services

Phone: 240-276-1901

Contractors:

Policy Research Associates, Inc.

Deborah Dennis (Project Director)

Pamela Clark Robbins (Evaluation Director)

Margaret Lassiter (Senior Project Associate)

Delmar, NY

Phone: 518-439-7415

Mathematica Policy Research

Jacqueline Kauff (Evaluation Director)

Alisa Ainbinder (Data Liaison Coordinator)

Washington, DC

Phone: 202-484-9220

List of Attachments:

Attachment A:

• Screen shots of the Web-based SOAR Data Form

4