|
The Children's Trust places a strong emphasis on accountability and documenting the impact of funded investments through its research and evaluation. In particular, for several of The Children's Trust larger, more systemic or model initiatives, external program evaluations have been pursued using a qualified pool of research and evaluation vendors. In general, these evaluation approaches have started with formative methods as initiatives are beginning implementation (ex., site visits, interviews, focus groups, record reviews). Formative evaluation answers questions about program process, fidelity and efficacy related to how the program is implemented. Process evaluation questions will permit examination of what was done, with whom, and how often. It is expected the documentation of challenges and any deviation from the original program model may provide valuable information as to the feasibility of further implementation. In addition, some initial evaluation activities have explored short-term outcomes through tracking and analyzing data to inform the program and facilitate quality improvement, as well as to contribute to the eventual summative evaluations.
In 2007, two program components of The Children's Trust HealthConnect initiative had formal external formative evaluations, HealthConnect in Our Schools and HealthConnect in Our Community. Evaluation reports are forthcoming. In the next year, this formative evaluation will continue for these programs, and HealthConnect in the Early Years will be added to the formative evaluation. Also in the coming year, The Children's Trust will implement external program evaluations for its Quality Counts initiative, Service Partnerships, and Youth Violence Prevention initiatives.
|
