2011

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Session Title: Outcomes for Youth in Residential Treatment and Foster Youth Education Programs
Multipaper Session 347 to be held in Sunset on Thursday, Nov 3, 11:40 AM to 12:25 PM
Sponsored by the Human Services Evaluation TIG
Chair(s):
James Sass,  Rio Hondo College, jimsass@earthlink.net
Discussant(s):
Michel Lahti,  University of Southern Maine, mlahti@usm.maine.edu
Examining Implementation From Many Perspectives: How Different are the Views of Implementation Quality From Observers, Supervisors, Staff, and Clients?
Presenter(s):
Kristin Duppong Hurley, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, kdupponghurley2@unl.edu
Justin Sullivan, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, justin.sullivan@boystown.org
Chrystal Jansz, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, cerj7@hotmail.com
Abstract: One key, but often overlooked, issue surrounding research studies is to assess the quality with which the treatment was implemented. Many issues surround the assessment of implementation, such as whether to collect data on dosage, adherence, competence, or engagement. Moreover, one needs to decide on how such data will be collected (e.g. who, how often). Minimal research has been conducted to examine the relationship among a variety of implementation assessment perspectives. This presentation will focus on how different and similar the implementation ratings were for observers, supervisors, direct-care staff, and the youth clients of a 24/7 residential treatment program. We will share the results of this NIMH funded project to examine if there was agreement among the methods to assess low, adequate and high levels of implementation, how implementation levels varied over time and experience levels, and if quality of implementation was related to youth mental health outcomes.
Evaluation of the Gloria Molina Foster Youth Education Program: A New Model of Collaboration Between School and Child Welfare Systems
Presenter(s):
Maura Harrington, Center for Nonprofit Management, mharrington@cnmsocal.org
Erin Maher, Casey Family Programs, emaher@casey.org
Lyscha Marcynyszyn, Casey Family Programs, lmarcynyszyn@casey.org
Carrie Miller, Los Angeles County Office of the CEO, cmiller@ceo.lacounty.gov
Angel Rodriguez, Gloria Molina Foster Youth Education Program, rodang@dcfs.lacounty.gov
Jessica Vallejo, Center for Nonprofit Management, jvallejo@cnmsocal.org
Jennifer Thibault, Center for Nonprofit Management, jthibault@cnmsocal.org
Abstract: The Gloria Molina Foster Youth Education Program strives to increase graduation rates by identifying an educational advocate for each student, improving academic performance and encouraging student retention. Implemented in two school districts as a pilot program and a third district in the second year, the staffing models varied (having either the social worker take on additional duties or having a second social worker serving as an educational advocate. One of the unique and promising, yet challenging aspects of this project is the interface between school and child welfare systems. The evaluation examined the impact of the program and documented challenges encountered in implementation. Discussion of the results will include the transparency of evaluators in their work with a vulnerable population as well as the potential influence of evaluator values in working in a political context with a range of stakeholders and in the design and analysis of the study.

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