Soar Ss-b 7.24.14

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 works with all states to implement SOAR. The respondent universe for SOAR-assisted applications and users of the web-based data Form is SOAR-trained caseworkers in these states and communities. However, use of this Form is voluntary and not all SOAR states or communities use it. SAMHSA is making this available to everyone using the SOAR method to assist those who are experiencing or at-risk of homelessness 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 2013 the SOAR Technical Assistance Center received outcome data from 48 states, using a variety of methods of data collection. Data are summarized by the SOAR Team Lead in each state and submitted to SAMHSA’s SOAR Technical Assistance Center. These data are also used as part of the national evaluation of SOAR and provided to other federal agencies, such as the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness, that request them.

B. 3. Methods to Maximize Response Rates

SAMHSA anticipates that having the SOAR Data Form online will make it easier for caseworkers 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. Since 2011 when OMB clearance was first received, SAMHSA has continued to 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 original web-based data form (see A. 8). Additional feedback has been 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.

Kristin Lupfer (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)

Lisa Klein Vogel (Data Liaison Coordinator)

Washington, DC

Phone: 202-484-9220

List of Attachments:

Attachment A:

• Screen shots of the Web-based SOAR Data Form

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