Module 7: Assessments – SPDAT & VAT

HIFIS includes two third-party assessment tools to help service providers prioritize service delivery for individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness:

Assessments are found in the Assessments menu at the top of the HIFIS screen, under SPDAT or VAT.

The VI-SPDAT is a short pre-screening tool that quickly assesses a client's vulnerability level and determines if they need a full SPDAT assessment. It is available in individual, family, and youth versions.

How to Complete a VI-SPDAT Assessment

1. From the Assessments menu, select SPDAT.
2. On the SPDAT Intake List page, select the VI-SPDAT tab.
3. Select the appropriate option based on the client type and version.
4. Search for and select the client.
5. Select the caseworker conducting the assessment.
6. Confirm the start date and time.
7. Select the assessment pre-screen period (is this the first time, second time, etc.?).
8. Indicate whether the client has given consent.
9. If applicable, select the program and add a description.
10. Answer every question. If the client refuses or doesn't know, set the Refused toggle to Yes.
11. Click Save once the assessment is complete.

The full SPDAT assessment is a comprehensive tool for clients who score above the VI-SPDAT threshold. It is also available in individual, family, and youth versions.

How to Complete a SPDAT Assessment

1. From the Assessments menu, select SPDAT.
2. Select the SPDAT tab and select the appropriate client type and version.
3. Search for and select the client.
4. Select the caseworker, confirm the start date and time, and select the pre-screen period.
5. Indicate whether the client has given consent. Add program and description if applicable.
6. For each question, select a score (number) and provide a written justification for the score.
   

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   Click the arrow beside a question title to expand the full description. Hover over the score numbers to see what each score means — this ensures standardized, consistent scoring.
7. Once complete, click Save.

How to Edit an Assessment

1. From the Assessments menu → SPDAT, find the assessment and click Edit.
2. Make the required changes and click Save.

The VAT was developed by the Downtown Emergency Service Centre (DESC) and helps service providers prioritize service delivery based on standardized vulnerability assessments for individuals and families who are homeless or at risk.

How to Complete a VAT Assessment

1. From the Assessments menu, select VAT.
2. On the Vulnerability Assessment Tool List page, click the VAT button.
3. Search for and select the client.
4. Select the caseworker and confirm the start date and time.
5. Indicate whether the client has given consent.
6. If applicable, select the program and add a description.
7. Begin the assessment. Click the arrow beside each question title to see the full description.
8. Hover over score numbers to see their descriptions — this ensures standardized scoring.
9. Add additional comments about answers in the field below question descriptions if applicable.
10. Click Save when complete.

How to Edit a VAT Assessment

1. From the Assessments → VAT list, locate the assessment and click Edit.
2. Make the required changes and click Save.

• Always select the correct version of the assessment (especially when transcribing from paper)
• Use the Progress Panel to track completion and identify missed questions
• Hover over score numbers to ensure standardized scoring
• Always provide written justifications for SPDAT scores
• Record assessments in a private, confidential setting
• If the client refuses a question, set the Refused toggle rather than guessing
• Follow your community's policy on the frequency of re-assessment
• Ensure the client has provided consent before beginning

In Thunder Bay, CHAT (Coordinated Homelessness Access Team) workers and outreach staff are required to complete the CHAT Intake Survey in addition to the VI-SPDAT for every new or reactivated client. This is a local requirement specific to Thunder Bay HIFIS's Coordinated Access system.

When the CHAT Intake Survey is Required

• All new clients referred through the CHAT access point
• Clients encountered through encampment outreach
• Clients whose profile is being reactivated after a period of inactivity (confirm information is still current)

How to Complete the CHAT Intake Survey

1. Navigate to the client's profile and select Client Management from the top menu.
2. Select Surveys from the dropdown menu.
3. Locate the CHAT Intake Survey and click to open it.
4. Complete all fields in the survey with the client.
5. Click Save.