Utilization-Focused Evaluation of Two Intensive Family Preservation Programs

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Abstract
The author evaluates The Brightside Intensive Family Intervention (IFI) Program and the Massachusetts Department of Social Services' Family Life Center (FLC), which share a referral pool of 47 client families. The families were interviewed to assess the two programs from the consumers' perspective. Applying Patton's utilization-focused evaluation, qualitative information offered feedback to program staff and supervisors and quantitative data provided an administrative summary of the success of both programs. The structure and process of each program, as experienced by its clients, were linked with outcome. Families found these tertiary prevention programs worked well to support their dignity and expand their community connections. Agency auspices were unimportant to most parents, who preferred a team model and relatively longer contact. Most parents viewed concrete services as ancillary to relationship-based work.
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