Child Status Index Usage Assessment and Decision Making Among Community-Based Volunteers Working in Vulnerable Children Programs

Initially published in 2009, the CSI is a comprehensive assessment tool that captures vulnerable children's status across six domains. The tool has been translated into at least 15 different languages and has been used by large programs serving vulnerable children in 16 countries. The CSI Usage Assessment, conducted in 2011-2012, aimed to understand how large programs were using the CSI to meet a range of information needs. The study involved in-depth telephone interviews with program and/or M&E technical leads from 25 organizations in 13 countries. The findings revealed that the CSI is a widely popular tool, with program staff and community-based workers articulating its many strengths in providing a comprehensive assessment tool for vulnerable children. However, the study also highlighted wide variability in how vulnerable children programs use the CSI, with some applications of the tool not recommended for use. Interviewees expressed concern about community-based volunteers' consistency in scoring the well-being of children, as well as the lack of standardized guidelines for training and supportive supervision. The study also found that there was wide variation in how organizations train community-based workers to use the CSI and provide supportive supervision and mentoring. A second study, Decision Making Among Community-Based Volunteers Working in Vulnerable Children Programs, was conducted in 2012 to complement the first study. This study involved focus group discussions with community-based workers using the CSI and those not using the CSI, as well as in-depth interviews with community representatives. The study revealed that when the CSI is used for its optimal purpose—a case management tool—it is a useful job aid for community-based workers. However, the tool itself is often missing standardized guidelines for how to respond to different scores across the varying domains. The two studies document the value of the CSI, yet also suggest the need for clear guidance on the best uses of the CSI, guidelines for training and supportive supervision, and guidelines that accompany the CSI to support decision making for community-based workers. The studies also demonstrate opportunities to strengthen referral networks and information sharing among community groups and volunteers. In light of the study findings, several materials are being developed, including clarification regarding the usage of the CSI, revisions to the Child Status Index, and a CSI training tool kit.