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A Study of Success Factors in Drug Free Youth Groups
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| Presenter(s):
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| Trena Anastasia, University of Wyoming, tanastas@uwyo.edu
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| Rodney Wambeam, University of Wyoming, rodney@uwyo.edu
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| Steve Butler, University of Wyoming, sbutler@uwyo.edu
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| Abstract:
Seeking to identify success factors in drug free youth groups, researchers at the University of Wyoming pulled together expertise in interviewing and focus groups, with experience in prevention research and working with youth participants. Learning to integrate each of these experiences while pulling in quantitative data to inform both focus group and interview protocol development strengthened the study.
By strengthening qualitative outcomes through foundational protocol development and background research, findings have a stronger potential to create additional qualitative work in support of future youth group establishment and evaluation. Networking and diplomacy were also key factors.
We will review our methodology; how we incorporated community participants and key stakeholders in the process; a working concept for youth focus groups where youth leader input is needed but influence on the group must be minimized; and how each of these phases were used to inform the process strengthening the findings.
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Evaluating The Quality of a Consumer Quality Team
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| Presenter(s):
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| Diana Seybolt, University of Maryland Baltimore, dseybolt@psych.umaryland.edu
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| Amanda Jones, University of Maryland Baltimore, amjones@psych.umaryland.edu
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| Jennifer Kulik, University of Maryland Baltimore, jkulik@psych.umaryland.edu
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| Abstract:
The Consumer Quality Team (CQT) of Maryland was launched in 2007 as a quality assurance initiative to help solve problems in the public mental health system. The Team is staffed by consumers and family members who make unannounced visits to programs and conduct confidential interviews with consumers. Feedback is provided to the program and CQT meets monthly with representatives from the funding agencies, provider associations and state administrators to address and resolve concerns raised during the visits. At CQT's request, the University of Maryland Baltimore conducted an evaluation to assess stakeholder opinions of CQT and identify strengths and weaknesses of program implementation. This was achieved through a variety of methods including key informant interviews, focus groups, and an on-line survey. The presentation will discuss the evaluation results, including whether the CQT process is viewed as useful and valid, and how these results have influenced the development of the CQT itself.
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