Dear Collaborative... Hello World!

In the Dear Collaborative column, we’ll answer YOUR questions about TCOM or the TCOM tools (CANS, ANSA-T, ANSA).

Have questions and want answers?  Submit your questions through the Contact page and look for the answer in the next edition of Dear Collaborative. Submissions are treated confidentially.

Q1: If I have an adult client who is homeless, but doesn’t want to be housed, what do I score the Living Situation item on the ANSA?
A1: Like all items, “Living Situation” is scored based on the actual conditions the client faces. Homelessness would warrant a rating of 3. The individual’s choice of whether or not to seek housing is a separate issue. The client's voice and choice should certainly be respected in the decision of whether this item should be a Treatment Target. In the client’s situation, this item would likely be categorized as a Background Need.

Q2: Should I change the version of the CANS I use now that DHCS and DSS is mandating the CANS?
A2: No. You’re all set. The State has mandated that all counties use “the Core Fifty” items for outcome evaluation purposes. These items are already present in the Alameda County version of the CANS.

Q3: Would a need with a 2 or 3 score that a client wants to change in their life go in the treatment plan if the client doesn’t want your help to make the change?
A3: It would go in the treatment plan, but the important question is, “where?” The 2 or 3 rating indicates that the item is an area in which the individual does hope to see some transformation occur. If they do not want the treatment team’s direct help with making that happen this item would be captured in the Treatment Plan among the “Anticipated Outcomes” or “Background Needs.”

Each newsletter will feature top questions that are submitted to the Alameda TCOM Collaborative. If you have an urgent or critical CANS-related question, you can contact your agency's CANS/TCOM Coordinator or one of the Collaborative Members.

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