Abstract

Do Report Cards Result in Improved Outcomes for Children and Families?

Petr M. Varmuza

In recent years there has been a significant increase in the use of report cards as a tool for reporting on the status of communities or particular segments of population. Using the experience of the Toronto Report Card on Children , first published in 1996 and then annually since 1999, this presentation looks at the various issues surrounding the conceptual development, production and uses of report cards.

On their own, report cards do not necessarily guarantee change. It is important to have an appropriate framework that provides a link between the indicators selected for reporting and strategies for improving outcomes. Especially important, but probably hardest to develop, are benchmarks (goals / long term outcomes) which allow for development of annual targets, resource allocation and measurement of progress.

The Toronto Report Card on Children produced by staff from various city departments on behalf of the City of Toronto Children and Youth Action Committee. It is built on a framework that recognizes the roles that the municipality can realistically play in improving outcomes for its children and families. Unlike various report cards published by advocacy groups (especially Campaign 2000), this report card attempts to focus on areas that are clearly within the City’s authority to act. This of course does not mean that the socio-economic context is ignored; rather it is used as a backdrop which enables better analysis of conditions on a small area basis as well as the development of action plans focused on equitable outcomes for all of Toronto’s children. The publication of a Report Card is followed each year by a release of an Action Plan that aims to secure strategic municipal investments and develop advocacy initiatives that are deemed necessary to meet the City’s needs.

Bio

Since graduating from University of Toronto with a M.A. in Political Economy in 1974, Petr M. Varmuza has worked as a planner, social researcher and a policy analyst. Currently, in his role as a Director of Service Planning for City of Toronto Children’s Services, Mr. Varmuza leads the multi-sectoral team responsible for the development of the City’s Report Card on Children.

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