Accountability has always been a key element in public administration. However, as contracting for services becomes more prevalent, efforts to ensure that taxpayers are getting effective and efficient services have increased. The purpose of this paper is to examine the effectiveness of the Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation performance contract. The contract, with financial incentives and penalties built in, requires service providers to achieve quantitative targets in various program categories.
Return to James W. McGrew Research Awards 2000 Return to CenTex ASPA Home Page