Explores the first task of how to gather information on the problem statement, root cause(s), and target population and provides examples of how to apply strategies.

Presents the second task, identifying a long-term outcome, and provides examples of how to apply strategies. Identifying a long-term outcome that is specific, achievable, and understandable helps teams establish a goal that is focused, feasible, and clear.

Examines the third task, developing the pathway or pathways of change to reach the long-term outcome, and provides examples of how to apply strategies. Casual links connect the root cause(s) of the problem to the long-term outcome, and “tell the story of how success will be recognized” at each level in the pathway.

Presents the fifth task, documenting assumptions and rationale, and provides examples of how to apply strategies. A clear, concise narrative can help to engage stakeholders, decision makers and potential funders in future steps to address the root cause and problems identified.

Presents the fifth task, documenting assumptions and rationale, and provides examples of how to apply strategies. A clear, concise narrative can help to engage stakeholders, decision makers and potential funders in future steps to address the root cause and problems identified.

Identifies multiple approaches and the five essential functions to developing a theory of change as well as the characteristics of a sound theory of change, common mistakes to avoid in the development process, and strategies to prevent them. 

Watch this recorded webinar to learn how other jurisdictions encourage kinship care placements and then discuss kinship support with your team.

Listen to a youth support partner tell her story of living in kinship care with her grandmother and being reunified with her mother. She discusses the difficulties during her time in care and the system support that might have helped to promote a better relationship with her mother. As a mentor, she helps youth heal from trauma and use their voice in positive ways.

Provides an overview of essential functions, or tasks, to monitor and evaluate the implementation and impact of a program or other intervention and apply findings over the course of the change and implementation process.

Explores the tasks of identifying fidelity measures from other sources or developing new ones, developing the tools and protocols, and then using data to make improvements.

Explores the tasks of determining the “big picture” objectives and scope of evaluation efforts and assessing the agency’s capacity to conduct rigorous fidelity assessments, formative evaluations, or summative evaluations.

Describes the task of analyzing costs to satisfy funding requirements; support decision-making around intervention selection, testing, and piloting; and plan for scaling up and sustainability.

Presents how teams can develop a visual logic model that shows inputs, activities, outputs, and outcomes needed for the evaluation plan in a structured format to guide the work.

Examines the tasks of sharing findings and recommendations to inform stakeholders of the implementation progress, guide decision-making about the future of the intervention, support advocating for resources, and expand the knowledge base.

Examines how teams can identify questions to help guide monitoring and evaluation, shape the data that are collected and analyzed, and support evaluation partners in developing research questions.