NCJ Number
154884
Date Published
Unknown
Length
64 pages
Annotation
This report presents findings from the evaluability assessment and process evaluation of Pennsylvania programs designed to reduce minority overrepresentation in its juvenile justice system.
Abstract
Pennsylvania has targeted two jurisdictions (Harrisburg and Philadelphia) where nine community-based intervention programs have been funded. Programs have varied in the type of activities/components they have provided, the clarity and structure of these components, and the amount and mechanisms of service delivery. There are several common features, however. All programs emphasize the value of supervised activities to keep youths out of trouble. These include recreation, sports, games, and special projects. Most programs provide some form of homework or tutoring assistance. A basic premise of the evaluation is that evaluators should seek to reduce their traditional distance from community groups that provide services to youths. It emphasized an interactive approach that provided an active role for program staff in program assessment and development prior to the design of outcome evaluations. The purpose of "formative" evaluations, designed and conducted in collaboration with community-based service providers, was to provide essential information to guide the design of useful and valid outcome evaluations. First, using qualitative and quantitative data, the evaluators assessed community needs and resources relevant to programmatic intervention. Second, using archival, interviews, and observational methods, they conducted evaluability assessments (clarification of program content, objectives, and intervention strategies) and process evaluations (monitoring successful implementation of each program). Finally, evaluators used information from these prior steps to design valid outcome measures. Attached release-of-information form and outcome measures, as well as 13 references