Using the resources below, identify a plan for an outcome evaluation based on the new program that you proposed earlier in the course. Include the following information:

• A brief outline of the program
• The purpose of the evaluation
• The outcomes to be evaluated
• The group research design that you will use and why
• The key stakeholders and their potential concerns
• The indicators or instruments to be used to measure the outcomes
• The methods for collecting, organizing, and analyzing the datawho, how, etc.

Program Description

A program to connect resources is being proposed in response to the identified gap between crisis intervention and ongoing services. The proposed program aims to improve mental health and crisis outcomes. Facilitating access to services beyond initial crisis intervention and developing community partnerships reduces the probability of recurring crisis episodes (Bundy et al., 2017). This program would include a comprehensive list of follow-up options for crisis clients and clear instructions on how to access these agencies.

Criteria for Inclusion

This program will include all crisis clients contacting the agency through chat, text, or phone. The only exception is when a suicide attempt is in progress and emergency services must be immediately deployed. Including as many clients in the program as possible will reduce the possibility of recurring crisis episodes. Studies have determined that comprehensive safety planning and least restrictive interventions decrease the number of crisis episodes, resulting in fewer police interventions and emergency department visits (Samartzis & Talias, 2019).

Justification

Implementing a program to provide access to approved ongoing resources from community partners can be justified in several ways. Firstly, it addresses a crucial gap in services for clients in crisis. By connecting them with a network of community partners, the program ensures that clients have access to a wide range of resources and support systems beyond what the agency can provide alone. This holistic approach increases clients' likelihood of successful outcomes as they receive comprehensive care tailored to their specific needs (Bundy et al., 2017). Additionally, partnering with community organizations fosters collaboration and strengthens the agency's ties within the community (Bundy et al., 2017). This can lead to increased referrals, improved reputation, and potential funding opportunities. Overall, the program enhances the agency's ability to support clients in crisis and establishes it as a valuable and integral part of the community's social support network.

Several methods can be used to gather valuable insights and data to support the need for the proposed program. Conducting interviews with clients who have experienced crises can provide in-depth qualitative information about their needs, challenges, and the potential impact of the proposed program. Interviews allow for open-ended discussions and the opportunity to explore individual experiences in detail (Dudley, 2020). Surveys are an effective way to collect quantitative data from a larger sample of clients (Dudley, 2020). By designing a well-structured survey, you can gather information about the specific needs of clients in crisis, their preferences for ongoing resources, and their interest in participating in the program. It is essential to use a combination of these methods to gather both qualitative and quantitative data. This will provide a holistic understanding of the need for the program, help identify potential challenges, and ensure that the program is designed to meet the specific needs of clients in crisis.

Summary of Program

The proposed initiative seeks to bridge the gap between crisis intervention and sustained mental health services. It is intended for clients who contact the agency through chat, text, or phone, with exceptions for cases requiring immediate emergency services, thereby minimizing the likelihood of recurring crisis incidents (Hill, 2023).The goal is to reduce the frequency of crisis events by providing clients with thorough follow-up choices and connecting them with community resources (Hill, 2023). The program's justification addresses recognized service shortages, promotes comprehensive client care, and encourages community cooperation to provide long-term assistance.

Importance of Process Assessment

A process evaluation for the proposed program is crucial to assess its implementation, understand how it functions in practice, and identify areas for improvement (TSNE, 2018). A process evaluation is vital for gauging the program's implementation effectiveness and alignment with intended goals (TSNE, 2018). This assessment is instrumental in pinpointing deficiencies and ensuring that the program efficiently meets the needs of the target demographic. An assessment of the program's implementation is essential for evaluating its performance, verifying that planned procedures are followed, and identifying areas that need improvement (Dudley, 2020). It provides information about how well the program works toward its objectives and what needs to be adjusted.

Type of Process Evaluation and Stage of Implementation

A formative process evaluation is imperative in the initial phases of program execution to appraise and fine-tune the intervention (Dudley, 2020). This entails ongoing monitoring and feedback mechanisms to facilitate necessary adjustments for optimal efficacy.

This approach allows for continuous feedback and modifications as the program is being developed and initially implemented. This type of assessment focuses on assessing and improving program implementation in its formative and initial stages (Dudley, 2020).

Who Should Conduct the Process Evaluation

An internal evaluator who understands the agency's objectives and operations would be ideal for conducting the evaluation. This person can provide an insider's perspective and ongoing feedback, essential for a formative evaluation (TSNE, 2018).

Broad Question

To what degree does the program accomplish its goals and successfullyprogram connect crisis clients with ongoing resources and community partners?

Specific Questions

1. What is the level of client satisfaction with the resources and follow-up options?
2. How effectively are partnerships with community organizations established and maintained?
3. What barriers exist in implementing the program, and how are they being addressed?

Plan for Information Collection and Analysis

Provide crisis clients with surveys to complete to obtain quantifiable information about their experiences, levels of satisfaction, and anticipated results. Ensure diverse representation across demographics to capture varied perspectives. Conduct in-depth interviews with participants to gain qualitative insights into the viewpoints of a sample of customers and community partners.Examine program documentation, including communication logs and protocols, to ensure all guidelines are followed. Statistical analysis is applied to find trends and patterns in survey data (Dudley, 2020). Use a thematic analysis to find recurring themes and subtle insights in qualitative interview data.Establish a continuous feedback loop with stakeholders for ongoing refinement of the program. By implementing this comprehensive process evaluation plan, the agency can continually adjust the program to optimize its impact and better cater to the mental health needs of crisis clients (Dudley, 2020).

Plan for Continuous Assessments

Throughout the program's implementation, do frequent quarterly reviews to track success, spot new problems, and make ongoing changes. Adjust the evaluation frequency based on program milestones and modifications to community partnerships or service delivery procedures (Bess et al., n.d.). Ask internal employees and outside partners for input so that the program may be improved and adjusted moving forward.Integrate feedback into program adjustments and enhancements, ensuring adaptability to evolving needs. By implementing this comprehensive process evaluation plan, the agency can continually adjust the program to optimize its impact and better cater to the mental health needs of crisis clients (Bess et al., n.d.).