Self-regulating service delivery systems: a model for children and youth at risk.

A conceptual model of self-regulating service delivery is proposed for use by governments, planners, and policymakers to help children reach optimal adult functioning. It addresses most problems of present service delivery and is applicable to children in the general population and registered consumers of mental health, child welfare, special education, drug dependency, and juvenile justice (young offender) services. It has four essential components: (1) outcome measurements that reflect the mental health statuses of children in services and in the general population; (2) regular feedback of these measurements to governments, the public, and service delivery organizations; (3) powerful and significant rewards and incentives for the most desired outcomes to increase their salience and to motivate provider behavior; and (4) decision making that can affect all entities that contribute to the health of children. The evaluable expected benefits are improved mental health for children and greater efficiency within the "system."