DEVISING EVALUATION STRATEGIES FOR THE PRACTICE OF FAMILY GROUP DECISION MAKING

THINK TANK 1

Lisa Merkel-Holguin, M.S.W.
American Humane Association
Children's Services
63 Inverness Drive East
Englewood, CO 80112

Gale Burford, M.S.W., Ph.D.
University of Vermont
Department of Social Work
228 Waterman Buidling
Burlington, VT 05405

Joan Pennell, M.S.W., Ph.D.
North Carolina State University
Social Work Program
CB #7639
Raleigh, NC 27695-7639

Paul Sivak
California State University, Stanislaus
Child Welfare Training Project
801 West Monte Vista Avenue
Turlock, CA 95381

Joe Hudson
University of Calgary
2500 University Drive, NW
Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4

DEVISING EVALUATION STRATEGIES FOR THE PRACTICE OF FAMILY GROUP DECISION MAKING

Even though Family Group Decision Making (FGDM) has been implemented in New Zealand for over ten years and in other countries for over five years, there is not a great deal of evidence that demonstrates its effectiveness in improving child well-being and functioning, improving family functioning, increasing child safety, and enhancing family continuity and preservation. Three countries - Canada, England, and Sweden - have led the way in conducting evaluation/research activities on FGDM. The results from all of these research initiatives suggest positive outcomes for children, families, communities, and child welfare agencies (Burford and Pennell, 1997; Lupton, 1997).

While the research from Canada and Europe is promising, the limited U.S.-based research on FGDM is a concern. Currently, out of the 100 communities with FGDM activities, approximately six have full-scale FGDM evaluation efforts under way. Without rigorous research, FGDM may continue to be used when its effectiveness is found to be questionable. A formative and outcomes evaluation of FGDM processes is a critical element to better understanding FGDM processes and their effects on families and the other systems that collaborate in this approach.

In keeping with FGDM philosophies, the definition of such evaluative efforts should be driven by the various stakeholders involved in the implementation of this process. While traditional evaluation initiatives are directed by researchers or other professionals involved in program implementation, FGDM processes pose a different paradigm. Families involved in these processes must have a meaningful and significant role in determining the outcomes and strategies for evaluating FGDM.

This session will bring together family members, researchers, program implementers, and others for a discussion on FGDM evaluation. Issues to be addressed include: (1) ensuring that FGDM evaluation initiatives reflect the philosophies of the approach; (2) possible outcomes and indicators to measure results of the process; (3) ways to engage family members in designing evaluation activities; and (4) FDGM as a mechanism for broader social change.