ll discussions and written assignments in this course will focus on a program evaluation of one specific agency. Each week’s discussion will help you clarify key concepts and prepare for the written assignment.
This week, you will select an agency from the options below and begin developing a logic model that visually outlines the program’s purpose, services, inputs, activities, outputs, and outcomes.
Use only publicly available information (agency websites, annual reports, published materials).
In this discussion, please address the following:
1. Agency Selection
Choose one agency to evaluate for this course:
- Tides Family Services (youth depression – PHQ-9)
- National Youth Advocate Program – Florida (trauma – SDQ)
- Grand Concourse Counseling Center (anxiety – GAD-7)
Explain why you selected this agency and what drew your interest.
2. Program Overview
Based on the agency’s website or materials:
- What population does the program serve?
- What services or interventions are offered?
- What are the stated goals or intended outcomes?
3. Information Gathering for Your Logic Model
Using your textbook (Fink, Fig. 1.3, p. 28) as a guide, identify:
- What inputs (resources, staff, funding) does the program likely use?
- What activities (specific services) does the program provide?
- What outputs (# clients served, sessions provided) would be measurable?
- What short-term, intermediate, and long-term outcomes would be appropriate given the program’s goals?
4. Ethical Considerations
Discuss the ethical issues involved in program evaluation:
- How will client confidentiality be maintained? (Note: You’ll work with de-identified data.)
- Which ethical principles guide evaluation practice?
- Are there potential conflicts of interest or other ethical concerns to consider?
5. Missing Information
What information would you like to know but couldn’t find on the website? How will you address these gaps when you create your logic model?
