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The opportunities and challenges of multi-site evaluations: Lessons from the jail diversion and trauma recovery national cross-site evaluation

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  • Stainbrook, Kristin
  • Penney, Darby
  • Elwyn, Laura

Abstract

Multi-site evaluations, particularly of federally funded service programs, pose a special set of challenges for program evaluation. Not only are there contextual differences related to project location, there are often relatively few programmatic requirements, which results in variations in program models, target populations and services. The Jail Diversion and Trauma Recovery–Priority to Veterans (JDTR) National Cross-Site Evaluation was tasked with conducting a multi-site evaluation of thirteen grantee programs that varied along multiple domains. This article describes the use of a mixed methods evaluation design to understand the jail diversion programs and client outcomes for veterans with trauma, mental health and/or substance use problems. We discuss the challenges encountered in evaluating diverse programs, the benefits of the evaluation in the face of these challenges, and offer lessons learned for other evaluators undertaking this type of evaluation.

Suggested Citation

  • Stainbrook, Kristin & Penney, Darby & Elwyn, Laura, 2015. "The opportunities and challenges of multi-site evaluations: Lessons from the jail diversion and trauma recovery national cross-site evaluation," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 50(C), pages 26-35.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:epplan:v:50:y:2015:i:c:p:26-35
    DOI: 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2015.01.005
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. DeMatteo, David & LaDuke, Casey & Locklair, Benjamin R. & Heilbrun, Kirk, 2013. "Community-based alternatives for justice-involved individuals with severe mental illness: Diversion, problem-solving courts, and reentry," Journal of Criminal Justice, Elsevier, vol. 41(2), pages 64-71.
    2. Steadman, H.J. & Morris, S.M. & Dennis, D.L., 1995. "The diversion of mentally ill persons from jails to community-based services: A profile of programs," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 85(12), pages 1630-1635.
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    Cited by:

    1. Wolff, Lisa S. & Errichetti, Karen Sautter & Tapia Walker, Stephanie & Davis, Mary V. & Brodesky, Michelle Kuhns, 2020. "Striking a Balance between Program-Specific and Portfolio-Level Evaluation: Lessons Learned from a Multi-Site Evaluation on the Texas-Mexico Border," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 83(C).

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