Nassau County (NY) is pioneering a new approach to human service delivery via an innovative, multi-year initiative. The county wants to make it possible for a client entering the public service system, regardless of entry point, to gain access to other needed county or community services. One component of the initiative is Nassau’s No Wrong Door staff development program. CGR assessed the program to help the county further refine its efforts. With support from the Rausch Foundation CGR also developed a resource manual so that other counties can capitalize on Nassau’s experience.

In the past 5 years, CGR has been engaged to conduct 7 studies for Dutchess County (NY). In one of our major studies, CGR worked with an internal task force charged with improving the integration and effective delivery of human services. CGR reviewed the structure of 6 departments, interviewed more than 150 county staff, analyzed data, reported on nearly 30 performance indicators, and identified important findings. Key recommendations in CGR’s final report prompted decisive action by county officials. Today the county has a Health and Human Services Cabinet, a cabinet director, and a cross-systems approach to human service delivery.