DCYF’s Performance-Based Contracting Named “Leading Example”

December 21, 2021
Kid playing in a meadow with big toy plane during gold sunset in summer landscape.

We’re excited to share that Results for America featured DCYF’s Performance-Based Contracting (PBC) initiative as a leading example of Results-Focused Contracting in Washington.

To improve outcomes and eliminate disparities, DCYF has been working diligently to shift its entire contracted client services portfolio to PBC, a key priority in the agency’s Strategic and Racial Equity Plan. DCYF’s Office of Innovation, Alignment, and Accountability (OIAA) is leading the initiative, which involves nearly 150 staff and community partners across the state. To date, we have successfully initiated the shift in more than 70% of our agency portfolio, which includes more than 1,000 contracts that invest approximately $1 billion each biennium in services to children, youth, and families.

The 2021 Invest in What Works State Standard of Excellence (published by Results for America) features this work and highlights Washington’s data-driven and evidence-based budget, policy, and management decision-making efforts. The examples highlighted in the State Standard of Excellence inform policymakers and the public about the effectiveness of using data and evidence to invest in what works.

We are proud that DCYF’s PBC work has contributed to Washington being recognized for its commitment to data-driven and evidence-based decisions, delivering improved results for all Washingtonians.

 “I am proud to highlight Washington’s successes and use of data to support our responsiveness and resilience in the face of both obstacles and opportunities,” said Governor Jay Inslee. “We have used data to successfully navigate the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and prioritize the use of data to assure an equitable and just place for all Washingtonians. In our state, we continue to place great emphasis on supporting data-driven and evidence-based solutions across the enterprise. We are grateful for the partnership with Results for America and the focus on the importance of using data and evidence to support decision-making.”

To learn more about why we are a leading state, visit statestandardofexcellence.org/state/washington/.