Individualized Technical Assistance

Whether you’re exploring the model for the first time, preparing to launch, strengthening early operations, or sustaining a mature Center, NAC meets you where you are with practical, hands-on support.

Assessment Center 101

An introduction to the Assessment Center model—purpose, guiding principles, and examples from across the country. This foundational orientation helps stakeholders understand how Centers function and the value they bring to youth, families, and systems.

Assessment Center Intervention Mapping

An iterative process to understand why and how youth move through local systems—and where a Center can intervene to prevent deeper involvement.

• Data analysis and stakeholder interviews
• Development of a youth systems map
• Community convening to identify prevention/diversion opportunities
• Needs–assets matching to align gaps with community strengths

Operationalizing the Framework

Guidance to translate the Assessment Center Framework into a tailored operational plan (often paired with Intervention Mapping).

• Establishing referral criteria
• Designing screening and assessment systems
• Mapping community resources
• Developing policies, procedures, staffing, and infrastructure
• Building evaluation measures and a CQI plan

Youth & Family Engagement

Early planning requires authentic youth and family voice to shape the foundation of the Center.

• Establish advisory groups or planning tables with youth and caregivers
• Incorporate youth/family perspectives into referral criteria, policies, and space design
• Build consensus around engagement as a guiding principle from the start

Core Component–Specific TA

Targeted assistance to strengthen one or more Assessment Center Framework components:

• Single Point of Contact (Referral)
• Screening and Assessment
• Case Management
• Accountability
• Staff Support and Development

Topic-Specific TA

Custom support on specialized issues, such as:

• Referral processes that match needs (based on screening) to community assets
• Screening systems for specific populations (e.g., CSEC, gang-involved youth, LGBTQ+ youth)
• Trauma-informed supervision practices
• Equity-focused CQI processes

Screening & Assessment System Development

NAC helps build comprehensive screening and assessment systems—not just choose tools. Our Screening & Assessment Tool Inventory supports members in comparing tools by population, length, cost, and purpose, aligned with the Framework.

• Tool selection guidance
• Training staff for implementation fidelity
• Developing policies and procedures
• Linking screening to effective service connections

(Members: Access the Tool Inventory in the NAC Resource Library → Screening & Assessment Tools.)

Youth & Family Engagement

In early operations, engagement moves from vision to practice. NAC supports Centers to:

• Develop ongoing feedback loops (surveys, focus groups) for youth and caregivers
• Create formal youth & family advisory boards that inform services and processes
• Train staff to build trust and incorporate family voice into case planning

Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI)

CQI assistance is grounded in the Assessment Center Self-Assessment (available in the NAC Member Resource Library) and linked to the Self-Assessment Practice Network for structured peer learning and action planning.

• Conducting self-assessment reviews to identify strengths and opportunities
• Facilitating stakeholder interviews and document reviews to validate findings
• Creating a tailored CQI action plan with measurable goals
• Ongoing coaching to monitor progress and maintain fidelity to the Framework

Outcome Framework & Measurement Planning

NAC aligns outcome measurement with ACORN (Assessment Center Outcomes & Referral Network)—a common data framework and a data management option for Centers that need it.

• Build a logic-based outcome framework linking activities to short-, medium-, and long-term goals
• Identify and track indicators across referral, screening, case management, and outcomes
• Quarterly site-level dashboards (for Centers submitting data to NAC)
• Aggregated state/national dashboards to demonstrate broader impact

Youth & Family Engagement (Mature Centers)

Embed youth and family voice in leadership and long-term decision-making:

• Include youth/caregivers on governance boards or decision-making bodies
• Use youth/family feedback as part of CQI and outcome measurement
• Build sustainable structures (stipends, leadership training) for ongoing participation

(Members: Sign in to access the Self-Assessment Tool and Outcome & Measurement Framework.)