The 7‑Phase Model

A comprehensive, collaborative system for mapping and improving service delivery

1
Phase 1

Purpose, Need & Success Definition

"Why are we doing this journey mapping?"

Anchor journey mapping in real problems and outcomes. Prevent mapping from becoming purely descriptive. Meet grant and accreditation expectations for clear need.

2–4 weeks
6 deliverables
Problem StatementPopulation AnalysisEquity GapsIntended OutcomesBaseline Metrics
2
Phase 2

Intake Journey Mapping

"How people enter the system"

Make entry points visible and equitable. Reduce confusion, duplication, and emotional harm at the point of first contact.

3–5 weeks
6 deliverables
Entry MethodsStaff RolesResponse TimeEmotional TrackingClient Voice
3
Phase 3

Assessment Journey Mapping

"How needs are understood and decisions are made"

Make assessment fair, transparent, and timely. Reduce bias and inconsistency in decision-making processes.

3–5 weeks
6 deliverables
Assessment ToolsDecision CriteriaReview StepsTimeframesConsent
4
Phase 4

Internal Program & Service Delivery Mapping

"What actually happens once services begin"

Fully map internal service delivery, not just intake/referral. Identify program strengths, gaps, and improvement opportunities.

4–6 weeks
6 deliverables
Service ComponentsStaff WorkloadFidelity vs AdaptationDrop-off PointsClient Experience
5
Phase 5

Referral Journey Mapping

"How people transition to additional or external services"

Eliminate lost or failed referrals. Ensure continuity and accountability across service transitions.

3–5 weeks
6 deliverables
Referral LogicMatching CriteriaCapacity ConstraintsFeedback LoopsFollow-Up
6
Phase 6

Cross-Journey Analysis & Redesign

"What the full system reveals"

Identify systemic failures across the entire journey. Design future-state journeys that address root causes.

4–6 weeks
6 deliverables
Bottleneck AnalysisRedundancy DetectionEquity Gap VisualizationTrauma-Impact MappingFuture-State Builder
7
Phase 7

Measurement, Comparison & Accountability

"Did we improve—and for whom?"

Prove impact with defensible evidence. Support accreditation, monitoring, and funding requirements.

Ongoing (initial setup: 2–3 weeks)
6 deliverables
Baseline Data LockPost-Reform CollectionAutomatic ComparisonVisual DashboardsGrant-Ready Reports