Improving Human Services Using Virtual Technical Assistance: Research Brief

This issue brief from the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) defines virtual technical assistance (TA) and illustrates the types, use, and effectiveness of virtual TA across HHS programs. Included are programs delivered and managed by the Children’s Bureau, Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, and Offices of Child Support Enforcement, Refugee Resettlement, Head Start, Regional Operations, and Family Assistance. While covering emerging practices in designing and delivering virtual TA, the brief offers guidance on how to choose technology tailored to the audience’s access and expertise, administration of virtual assistance to ensure recipient satisfaction, and how to supplement virtual TA with in-person meetings.