A Process Evaluation of Collaborative Planning for Children of Prisoners
Titel:
A Process Evaluation of Collaborative Planning for Children of Prisoners
Auteur:
Abram, Faye Y. Linhorst, Donald
Verschenen in:
Administration in social work
Paginering:
Jaargang 32 (2007) nr. 1 pagina's 39-54
Jaar:
2007-12-21
Inhoud:
This article reports on a process evaluation of the efforts of a collaborative team organized to develop a comprehensive plan for children of prisoners in the state of Missouri over an 18-month period. Direct observation of planning team meetings, content analysis of work products, surveys of team members, and interviews of staff were used to evaluate work done, needs addressed, voices heard and valued, and organization of the planning process. Evaluation findings suggest six lessons for collaborating across diverse groups including state and local governmental agencies and not-for-profit agencies. Lessons include recognizing the importance of setting realistic goals, having a clear purpose, establishing a system to track progress toward these goals, establishing a structure appropriate to the task with clarity of roles within that structure, developing creative means to ensure attendance of key parties, and evaluating subjective and objective outcomes of the planning process in addition to the achievement of stated goals. With training and careful planning to address the issues identified, collaborative planning can make a substantial contribution to social service delivery.
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