Governments often view performance-based contracting as a north star, but without careful structuring, it can backfire for social services. In her latest column for Governing’s Better, Faster, Cheaper blog, GPL Program Director Hanna Azemati advises government on when performance-based contracting for social services is appropriate, how to implement it effectively, and what other strategies can drive the performance of programs to turn around the lives of at-risk populations. Read more.

“Just referring a family to services isn’t always enough. There need to be more intentional efforts to ensure that the families ultimately get connected with those agencies,” said Trista Piccola, the Director of the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth, & Families (DCYF). The GPL worked with DCYF and the Rhode Island Department of Health to create a plan for reducing child fatalities and near-fatalities due to neglect or maltreatment. Read more about our recommendations here and here.

In her latest commentary for Governing’s Better, Faster, Cheaper blog, Program Director Hanna Azemati describes the GPL’s work with the city of Louisville, KY to establish a strategic procurement system. According to Louisville’s director of purchasing, this system has helped the city “elevate the importance of procurement, build trust, and earn credibility” by prioritizing, structuring, evaluating, and managing critical contracts more effectively. Read more.