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A Process Evaluation of Collaborative Planning for Children of Prisoners
Abstract
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.
Journal
(2008)
vol32
no1
pages39-54
Categories
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Evaluation and Information Management
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Financing and Evaluting NGOs
