Measuring the Strength of National Social Service Systems

However, the results of these efforts to strengthen social service systems have been largely unknown due to the lack of a way to capture and measure them. To address this issue, MEASURE Evaluation, funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), has developed a set of 32 core indicators to assess the outcomes of efforts to strengthen social service systems. These new monitoring and evaluation (M&E) indicators are aligned with PEPFAR's 2012 Guidance for Orphans and Vulnerable Children Programming, which emphasizes strong country ownership and a capacity building and systems strengthening approach. The indicators measure the five components of a functional social service system deemed essential by PEPFAR: leadership and governance, social service workforce, financing, information management and accountability systems, and coordination and networking mechanisms. The indicators are designed to help governments and their partners gain a clear picture of what is working and what needs attention in their national social service systems. They can be used to answer key questions, such as the current status of the national social service system, whether the system is showing signs of improvement, and whether investments from donors and other sources are making the system stronger. The indicators can also help determine whether the system is being developed sustainably. The indicators are based on a comprehensive review of 64 documents and consultation with over 40 stakeholders representing donors, U.S. government agencies, international voluntary organizations, and consulting firms, as well as academics. A team of M&E experts refined the list of over 300 indicators related to system strengthening, resulting in the current set of 32 highly vetted indicators. The indicators are designed to be used in a variety of settings, but they are not intended to be used for comparative analysis between countries. Instead, they are meant to provide a snapshot of a system's strengths and weaknesses, which can be used to develop and monitor an action plan with strategies and goals. The indicators can be applied to any system, whether it is nascent or advanced, and can help to identify areas where investments are needed most. The development of these indicators is part of a broader effort to improve child and household well-being. MEASURE Evaluation has also developed a companion product, the Child, Caregiver and Household Well-being Survey Toolkit, which provides a discrete set of indicators based on special data sources and studies. The toolkit is available online and can be used to measure programmatic impact. The indicators are a critical tool for governments and their partners seeking to strengthen their national social service systems. By providing a clear picture of what is working and what needs attention, the indicators can help to ensure that investments are made in the most effective and efficient way possible, ultimately leading to improved welfare and protection for children and families.