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In the summer of 2005, 120 representatives from a number of Federal agencies met in a 3 day summit to discuss the transformation of Federal EAPs. Through dialoguing in large and small groups, participants discovered what is most valued in Federal EAPs. They also dreamed about their preferred future and, based on those ideas, created a number of guiding "provocative possibility statements" that would drive and inform any work that would come out of the Summit. Finally, the group began the process of constructing the actual implementation of the Federal EAP transformation. Seven working groups were created to begin the implementation effort. To learn more about these groups and view the products they have drafted, click on the group name below:
EAP Framework and Guiding Principles This workgroup examined the overarching framework for Federal EAPs and the principles that would guide and inform the development of policies, standards and definitions. The group completed a document that presents the framework and guiding principles. The framework provides the core EAP activities in the Federal community and all of its primary customers. To assure the quality of these activities, the document also describes 7 guiding principles that were identified at the EAP Summit. These guiding principles are:
To view this document, click here. Standardized EAP Definitions This workgroup listed and defined key concepts that directly pertained to the Federal EAP community so that it has uniform terminology. By having standardized definitions, it is possible for Federal EAPs to compare services and performance criteria. The group created a document containing close to 100 definitions and concepts. It was based on input from EAPA, EASNA, COA, and sub-group members. It has been distributed for initial comments and additions. To view this list of standardized EAP definitions and concepts, click here. Standardized Data Measurement This workgroup was concerned with the development of standardized reporting instruments for Federal EAPs. The group built on the work of a group that had been exploring EAP reporting in the Federal sector a few years earlier. The group identified a number of common data measures (using the new framework and guiding principles) and created 3 potential forms for reporting EAP data. These questionnaires/surveys collect data from EAP clients, EAP Directors/Administrators/Liaisons, and EAP staff. The group also explored and endorsed an on-line data collection system that was piloted for 4 months. Finally, the group discussed logistical matters related to EAP reporting. The group first developed data elements to measure each of the guiding principles. To view the elements for each principle, click on the principle below:
Crisis Response The mission of this workgroup was to explore the development of a standardized Federal EAP crisis response plan. Additionally, the group worked on identifying appropriate Federal EAP response, logistical requirements for crisis response, communication resources, and collaborations with agencies and service providers. It has been recommended that these ideas be incorporated into the National Response Plan (fact sheet below for viewing) administered by the Department of Homeland Security. A document with recommended EAP crisis response services was created. To view this document, click on the title below:
IT Best Practices This group identified current IT standards applicable to Federal EAPs. Members recommended working with the Substance Abuse and Mental health Services Administration (SAMHSA) which is working on guidelines for electronic record keeping. The group recommended the establishment an internet community of practice for Federal EAPs to facilitate discussions, sharing of information, announcements, and so forth. The site was established (although it is currently disabled while to system is upgraded). To view the minutes of the group's last meeting click on the title below: Strategies for Working with Senior Management and Decision Makers This group explored ideas for how to best reach senior managers and decision makers regarding the value of EAPs and to "stay at the table" about issues that impact the workforce/ EAP service delivery. Members created a document outlining EAP core services and functions that should be communicated to senior managers. The document also identifies strategies for influencing decision makers such as understanding the agency's mission, creating partnerships, and so forth. To review this summary, click on the title below: Strategies for Working with Senior Management and Decision Makers Accreditation and Credentialing The interest of this group is to establish standards and requirements that represent best practices for Federal EAPs. These standards will inform the future development of accreditation and credentialing requirements. The standards will be based on the framework and guiding principles (described above). The group reviewed the accreditation standards already in place for EAPs through the Counsel on Accreditation (COA). While most of the COA standards do apply to the Federal sector, some do not. The group made the recommendation that all Federal EAPs voluntarily agree to abide by and follow a small but common set of core standards that would be identified through a separate discovery process utilizing some of the current standards that exist in our field. Further, it is recommend that another workgroup look at the process issues and develop several models for "peer audits" or "peer reviews" that could be presented to the larger workgroup. A document which explores each of the guiding principles through the accreditation lens as well as recommendations for future work in this area can be viewed by clicking on the title below: |
Page created: October 19, 2006
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