Introduction
In the realm of social services, the involvement of individuals with lived experience is pivotal for crafting programs that truly address the needs of their beneficiaries. A recent study titled "Lessons from conducting a participatory evaluation of a kinship navigator program" sheds light on the transformative potential of participatory evaluation in kinship care. This blog post delves into the key findings and lessons from this study, offering insights for practitioners seeking to enhance their skills and outcomes in similar programs.
The Power of Participatory Evaluation
Participatory evaluation is a methodology that involves stakeholders, particularly those with lived experience, in all stages of the evaluation process. This approach not only enriches the evaluation with diverse perspectives but also empowers participants by giving them a voice in shaping the programs that affect their lives.
The study conducted by Moldow et al. (2023) exemplifies this approach by engaging Black kinship caregivers in the evaluation of a kinship navigator program. The caregivers were involved from the design phase through data collection and analysis, ensuring that their insights and experiences directly informed the evaluation outcomes.
Key Lessons for Practitioners
- Commitment from Nonprofits: The success of participatory evaluation hinges on the commitment of the nonprofit organization. This involves dedicating resources, time, and flexibility to accommodate the needs of stakeholders. In the study, the nonprofit HALOS demonstrated this commitment by providing necessary resources and valuing caregiver input throughout the evaluation process.
- Maintaining Engagement: Sustaining stakeholder engagement over the course of an evaluation can be challenging. The study highlights the importance of relationship building, creating a culture of learning, and allowing flexibility in scheduling to maintain caregiver involvement. Practitioners should prioritize these elements to foster a supportive and inclusive evaluation environment.
- Sharing Decision-Making Power: Empowering stakeholders with decision-making authority is crucial for a successful participatory evaluation. The study illustrates how kinship caregivers were given ownership of the evaluation process, which enhanced their confidence and investment in the outcomes.
- Skill Development: Participatory evaluation offers opportunities for stakeholders to develop new skills and gain confidence. Practitioners should facilitate training and provide ongoing support to ensure stakeholders are equipped to contribute effectively to the evaluation process.
- Actionable Findings: To maximize the impact of an evaluation, findings must be actionable and relevant to the program's context. By involving stakeholders in the analysis and dissemination of results, the study ensured that the findings were both meaningful and applicable to program improvement.
Encouraging Further Research
While the study provides valuable insights into participatory evaluation, it also underscores the need for further research and funding to explore this approach across different social service domains. Practitioners are encouraged to conduct their own evaluations, drawing on the strengths and capacities of those with lived experience to enhance program outcomes.
Conclusion
The participatory evaluation of the kinship navigator program serves as a powerful example of how involving stakeholders with lived experience can lead to more credible and impactful findings. By embracing this approach, practitioners can foster meaningful change and improve the lives of those they serve.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Lessons from conducting a participatory evaluation of a kinship navigator program.
