On September 30, 2013, there was a Three Branch Institute on Results-Based Accountability™ in West Virginia. The event was sponsored by the National Governor’s Association, National Conference of State Legislatures and Casey Family Programs, and it was hosted by Secretary Bowling welcomed over 60 participants and presenters to West Virginia, briefly discussed the goals of West Virginia’s Three Branch Institute and outlined the goals for the day.

The morning session included presentations by Adam Luecking, CEO of Clear Impact and Nathan S. Busch, JD, Protection and Safety Policy Chief, The Nebraska Division of Children & Family Services in the Department of Health & Human Services. Luecking first grounded the audience in the practical concepts of the Results-Based Accountability™ (RBA) framework. This included how to select population results and indicators, identify headline performance measures for state and contracted programs, and use this information for transparent, data-driven decision-making. Busch then shared how the Nebraska Division of Children and Family Services is currently implementing a plan to fully train and adopt RBA for all staff and providers, including the use of the Clear Impact Scorecard.

The afternoon session featured Connecticut Representative Diana Urban on her experience bringing RBA to the legislature and the impact it has had on state government. Urban presented the pitfalls she experienced and some strategies to overcome them, as well as share the CT Children’s Report Card that was created to help CT state government and state partners stay focused on the measurable impact they jointly seek to create: All Connecticut children grow up in stable environments, safe, healthy, and ready to lead successful lives. Representative Urban was joined by Anne McIntyre-Lahner, Program Director of the Connecticut Department of Children and Families. Ms. McIntyre-Lahner discussed challenges, successes and lessons learned from the perspective of the Department of Children and Families and shared insights and important considerations for executive branch agencies implementing these initiatives.

Overall, it was quite an exciting day, and we are looking forward to what it might mean for the kids and families in West Virginia.