Using the Child and Adolescent Service Intensity Instrument (CASII) as an Outcome Measure

Background: The reliability and validity of the Child and Adolescent Service Intensity Instrument (CASII) as a tool to help determine needed level of care for children with behavioral health needs has previously been established. Objective: To determine the utility of the CASII as an outcome measure. Methods: A sample consisting of all clients (n = 8465) admitted to service at an outpatient behavioral health facility from 2013 through 2016 were studied. CASII was administered at admission and discharge and ratings were compared with paired t-tests within demographic and diagnosis groups. Results: Mean CASII composite ratings decreased between admission and discharge in the entire cohort as well as within gender, age group, and multiple diagnosis groups tested. Conclusion: CASII was useful as an outcome measure in our relatively low to moderate acuity population.