Presents a three-dimensional model for conceptualizing existing prevention programs, defining and measuring effects of prevention programs, and making a connection between those programmatic effects, and the interests of the funder. This paper describes the methodology and its use for promoting the efficiency and effectiveness of substance abuse…

Describes the El Portal Latino Alzheimer's Project--a dementia-specific outreach and services program targeting Latino caregivers in the Los Angeles area. Results of an evaluation of service utilization indicate a reduction in barriers to care and an increase in services utilization. Implications for social work practice are discussed. (Contains…

Used qualitative methods to describe beliefs and attitudes related to evaluation and to identify factors influencing evaluation capacity, based on interviews with 61 community-based organizations, 9 health departments, and 28 technical assistance providers. Identified four factors influencing evaluation behavior, and developed a model describing…

Assesses the effectiveness of a local antismoking contest in Bloomington (Minnesota) that was coordinated with a statewide campaign. Interviews were conducted with 218 local and 198 statewide participants. Finds that the local contest had a higher impact than the statewide contest. (FMW)

Presents a planning guide that can be used to improve community-based evaluation. The guide consists of a set of questions to be discussed with all stakeholders. It covers issues of the nature and purpose of the evaluation, research methods and approaches, participation and decision making, conflict resolution, and dissemination and use of…

Presents an assessment of the Neutral Zone, a community-based gang prevention and intervention program developed in Washington State. The Neutral Zone offers at-risk or gang-affiliated youths a viable alternative for productively spending their time. Evaluation based on direct observation, focus group interviews, and official crime statistics…

Evaluated 30 Community Action Program for Children (CAPC) projects in Ontario, Canada. CAPC is a Canadian federal government initiative that funds community groups in activities supporting child development and strengthening families. Identified categories of program activities and project outcomes, and found that most projects have adopted…

Examined effects of Smart Start, a broad-based community initiative, on the quality of child care for North Carolina preschoolers. Found that care quality, as measured by the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale, was significantly higher in 1996 than in 1994. Child care quality in 1996 was related to the number of local quality improvement…

In 2006, more than 6 million individuals were victimized by violent crimes. Although violence is below levels of the early 1990s, it remains high. The extent of violence and its impact highlight a critical need to develop and implement effective programs to reduce violence and victimization. Communities have initiated a wide range of such…

Community service is reemerging as an important focus for secondary education. This report, the culmination of a Ford Foundation project, considers independent schools' role in encouraging community service. Specifically, the project attempted to identify community service programs in private schools affiliated with the National Association of…

This paper focuses on problems faced and lessons learned in the evaluation of a community crime-reduction program. The program ("Hartford Project"), designed to reduce residential burglary, street robbery, and the fear of those crimes, is briefly described. A multimethod approach to evaluation, which considered each variable in at least…

This study was performed to develop methods and instruments for evaluating community mental health center (CMHC) programs of indirect service consultation to schools. Models for three types of consultation are presented-Staff Development-Client Centered, Staff Development-Agency-Centered, and Project Development. Each model is designed in stages,…

Administered by the 21-member School Community Council (SCC), the Fort Gay-Thompson Urban/Rural project attempts to involve both school personnel and community representatives in the planning of the community's educational program. The project's major goals are to develop and implement comprehensive staff training, and to combine efforts of staff…