Scenario Evaluation Plan

PEACE Domestic Violence Agency’s main purpose is to provide victim support and shelter, victim advocacy and education, and empower those who are directly or indirectly affected by domestic violence. To continue helping the many who suffer from domestic abuse, PEACE Domestic Violence Agency will develop an evaluation plan to assess the program services and the effects those program services have on participant’s lives. The purpose of the evaluation is so PEACE can either show means for improvement on provided program services or show means for eradicating the program service all together. The decision to eradicate a provided service or implement improvements is the primary purpose of the assessment. The evaluation plan that PEACE Domestic Violence Agency will employ is a project-wide evaluation with empowerment approach. This particular evaluation plan compliments the domestic violence program offered by the agency due to the amount of concentration put upon the purpose of the program and also provides a structured framework for the programs future success. A project-wide evaluation plan involves the program staff in the evaluation development and implementation process, thus enabling them to feel empowered. The first step in developing a project-wide evaluation plan is to “identify the answer to the big question,” (Yuen & Terao, 2003, p. 53) which in regards to PEACE Domestic Violence Agency is whether or not the cycle of domestic violence can be reduced and how or whether educating people about domestic violence can play a key role in domestic violence prevention.

The inclusion of process and outcome evaluations will provide the documentation of accomplishments and allow the agency to indicate “what benefits were achieved as a result of the services provided,” (Yuen & Terao, 2003, p. 53). Process evaluation reviews the actual process of services delivered and the supporting implementations. Outcomes are measured at set intervals to evaluate what changes have occurred during the program, such as monthly or annually depending on the needs of the organization. Generally, these are both based on qualitative and quantitative data which allows the evaluator to see specifically the shortfalls and successes of the program. Qualitative and quantitative methodology are both used to see how well the program is meeting its short and long term objectives and goals, the successes and underperformances of the program process and operation, data on the specifics of the target population and what implementations will be used to complete the outcome evaluations. The outcome evaluations identify whether or not the program has made significant strides on specifically defined target outcomes. This evaluation also provide the necessary data in several other areas of the organization such as administrative and staff activity, organizational support, and the projects progress. Meeting proposed objectives and goals is a main concern for PEACE Domestic Violence Agency and acquiring the documentation regarding program successes to present to funders for financial grants.

The documentation of accomplishments for the delivered program services will be collected by program staff, clients, and other involved personnel describing the different approaches taken and the steps in which they were implemented. This information will be acquired from documented forms such as program activity logs of client’s regular attendance, surveys and interviews which provide the necessary feedback regarding the program. The continued involvement of the community is also essential in gaining the knowledge and insight needed to provide the best sources of assistance for the targeted population and surrounding community. Evaluations are essential tools for PEACE Domestic Violence Agency as well as other organizations for validation on accountability, modify or enhance program services, obtain more resources for financial assistance, and fulfill goals and objectives. A project-wide evaluation with empowerment approach will provide help for program staff to better understand the progress, effectiveness, and success of the program in which they are part of by assessing the clients’ observation of the program activities, identifying the program’s long-term impact, and monitoring the activities to validate the program’s accomplishments. An effective project-wide evaluation plan will summarize the program’s purpose and will ensure the PEACE Domestic Violence Agency can continue to fulfill its mission in reducing the cases for and eventually the overall existence of domestic violence by promoting recovery through education and awareness.

Reference
Yuen, F. & Terao, K. (2003). Practical Grant Writing & Program Evaluation. Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole-Thomson Learning.