CCNY, Community Connections of New York

Presentation Title:

"Looking at the Big Picture While Reading the Fine Print: Transforming Evaluation Data Into Agency and Larger System Improvement"

Presentation Description:

It is not enough to have evaluation results and data readily available as the use of said data is what transforms practice and ultimately the outcomes for those served. Every quarter, Community Connections of New York (CCNY) evaluates the effectiveness of all six care coordination agencies providing wraparound for Erie County, NY. Evaluation data, stakeholder input and current literature inform the development of program QI plans. When completed, these plans are reviewed for unique (agency specific) and mutual goals across multiple agencies. CCNY responds with a two-pronged approach: continue providing ongoing support for each agency as well as advocating for system development to affect all care coordination agencies. The presentation will discuss this process in three care coordination agencies, describing how evaluation and improvement efforts can be used to value individual agency needs as well as address gaps within the overarching system of wraparound in Erie County.

Presenters:

• Brian Pagkos, Community Connections of New York
• Heidi Milch, Community Connections of New York
• Christa Foschio-Bebak, Community Connections of New York

 

A position of Safety-Net Teams Supervisor is open for a pro-active, independently driven supervisor for it's initiative to expand the capacity of it's basic human needs funding. The Mobile Safety-Net Teams Supervisor will identify and pursue strategies to increase awareness of and access to resources for unemployed individuals and their families through the management of three mobile teams. The Supervisor will also be responsible for engaging rapid assessments to identify strengths as well as opportunities for capacity building at an organizational and community level. The supervisor will be compensated $33,000 to $37,000 with benefits. For more information, download the job description. If you are interested in the position, please email your resume and cover letter to Larry Cook, Program Officer at Oishei. If you know someone who might be interested, please share this with others.

The Child Welfare Information Gateway has released new publications this month. One, in particular, may be interesting to you:

Title: Child and Family Visitation: A Practice Guide to Support Lasting Reunification and Preserving Family Connections for Children in Foster Care.

Published: 2009

Available from: Minnesota Dept. of Human Services http://www.dhs.state.mn.us/ 444 Lafayette Road North St Paul, MN 55155

Printable version (PDF): http://edocs.dhs.state.mn.us/lfserver/Legacy/DHS-5552-ENG

Abstract: This manual reviews the benefits of child and biological family visitation when the child is in foster care in Minnesota and sets out guidelines for conducting successful visits. Guidelines are provided that address: the first visit and frequency of visitation; supervision and location of visitation; engaging fathers in visitation; deciding who visits a child; visitation with infants and toddlers; developing a visitation plan; review and revision of a visitation plan; phases of visitation; terminating or limiting visitation; the role of foster parents in visitation; understanding reactions and supporting visitation with the child, parent(s) and foster parent(s); visits with an incarcerated parent; visitation considerations in cases of domestic or sexual abuse; visits with children in group care/residential facilities; and visits between child and siblings. Minnesota statutes about foster care and family are reviewed and an example of a visitation plan is provided. 12 references.

CCNY, in it's efforts to build the capacity of area not-for-profits, has identified a grant writer with experience who is available for Full-time, Part-time, or Per Diem work. The economic difficulties we are facing have increased the area's needs, but also requires non-for-profits to have the capacity to fulfill those needs. A grant writer can enhance your programs and expand your reach. Please contact Heidi Milch for details.

CCNY just loves the data, but we can imagine that there are people who don't. We try really hard to imagine that - we really do. So, we found some amazing resources from SAMHSA to assist those who are less enthusiastic when they hear the words "evaluation" or "data". Enjoy.

Evaluation for the Unevaluated: Program Evaluation 101

Perhaps the biggest question asked about the thousands of prevention programs out there is, "Does it work?" This tutorial will help you understand what program evaluation is, why it is important, and how to find a good evaluator. The modules discuss types of evaluation projects, evaluation tasks, and preparation for conducting evaluations.

Evaluation for the Unevaluated: Program Evaluation 102

This tutorial will introduce statistical concepts and explain how evaluation results are used. Good evaluations are essential to effective programs and the future of your prevention program. The tutorial also describes special challenges in evaluating prevention programs.

Wading Through the Data Swamp: Program Evaluation 201

Your funders want to know if your program works and so far all you have are piles of confusing tables and printouts from your evaluator. This tutorial uses a case-study approach to demonstrate how to use evaluation data and how to work more effectively with your evaluator. You'll be given a variety of tools and a complete data set from a hypothetical evaluation. If you are not familiar with evaluation, you should complete Evaluation 101 and 102 before beginning this tutorial.

Camp Get-A-Way is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the mission of strengthening and supporting families having an emotional, behavioral, or mental illness. The concept for camp was developed by parents living in the WNY area and members of the Western Region Family Support Coalition. Registration has begun. The camp has three, four-day sessions beginning in August. Although there are several activities, families can choose to do or not do any activity while in camp.

Camp Get-A-Way could also use volunteer assistance. Because it is only 45 minutes from Buffalo, individuals can go out to help during day or evening - whatever time you can give would be helpful. If you cannot volunteer, please consider donating one of the items on their wishlist.