Product Description:
A community-university partnership formed to evaluate the implementation of an evidenced based, prevention-focused, parent support and education program in a rural Midwestern region. The program sought to improve outcomes for families with young children to better support the social-emotional wellness of children through positive parenting practices.
A participatory evaluation approach was used to inform collaborative decision-making and align program components with the needs of a rural community. Program leadership and participants actively contributed to the evaluation in partnership with the research team, from initial design to dissemination of results. Central features of the evaluation included frequent communication and regular review of data that guided policy development, fidelity monitoring, and continuous quality improvement.
Evaluation findings showed significantly improved parenting practices among the majority of participating caregivers as well as maintenance of high fidelity across the implementation period. Locally developed adaptations to the program included supportingfamilies through free, group and individual services, flexible scheduling and group locations to align with participant availability, as well as open eligibility and a flexible attendance policy. The program has been sustained past the initial funding period and has become well-known resource in the community.
This community-university partnership demonstrated the usefulness of a participatory evaluation approach in facilitating the successful implementation, adaptation, and sustainment of an evidence-based program. Efforts to tailor program features to meet the unique needs of local families and their children were aided by the inclusion of diverse perspectives and a shared vision of outcomes.
Keyword(s):
Parenting Program, Participatory Evaluation, Evidence Based, Incredible Years
