| Session Title: Independent Evaluation of the National Weed and Seed Strategy |
| Expert Lecture Session 585 to be held in Room 103 in the Convention Center on Friday, Nov 7, 10:55 AM to 11:40 AM |
| Sponsored by the Crime and Justice TIG |
| Chair(s): |
| Roger Przybylski, RKC Group, rogerkp@comcast.net |
| Presenter(s): |
| James Trudeau, RTI International, trudeau@rti.org |
| Jon Blitstein, RTI International, jblitstein@rti.org |
| David Chrest, RTI International, davidc@rti.org |
| Abstract: RTI International is conducting an independent evaluation of the National Weed and Seed Strategy to assess W&S key components of law enforcement, community policing, prevention/intervention/treatment, and neighborhood restoration; core principles of collaboration, coordination, community participation, and leveraged resources; and the critical role of U.S. Attorneys. This presentation describes the comprehensive evaluation design, conceptual framework, identification of within-community comparison areas, and analysis plans (e.g. multi-level growth models, spatial analysis). The evaluation will integrate process and outcome information to explore linkages between local W&S implementation and outcomes. For all sites we will formulate a broad overview across the national W&S Initiative, using GPRA data from 250+ grantees, Census data, and web-based stakeholder surveys including social network analysis. In 13 Sentinel Sites we will derive additional information from surveys of target and comparison community residents; site visits; document review; and data on local business activity. Preliminary results will be included as possible. |