NCJ Number
254374
Date Published
September 2019
Length
31 pages
Annotation
The findings and methodology are reported for a project that developed an evaluation framework for Maine's Somerset House, which is the Family Violence Project's (FVP's) emergency shelter for victims of domestic abuse.
Abstract
The project's goal was to develop an evaluation framework that will determine whether Somerset House's current model of service delivery is effective for victims of domestic abuse with co-occurring substance abuse issues. The project also envisions serving as a model for other domestic violence resource centers that are considering developing similar programs. The Maine Statistical Analysis Center (SAC) worked with FVP in developing an evaluation plan, including a theory of change, logic model, and measurable outcomes for the housing model used by Somerset House. The SAC then created new data-collection tools and a data dashboard, which will serve as both a data collection and data visualization mechanism for FVP in its planning for the future. The initial research question posed by FVP is when or how soon survivors should be transferred from emergency shelter to permanent housing. Although this question cannot be answered at the time of this report, the project has still produced significant results. FVP now has an articulated theory of change and logic model, refined data collection tools, identified performance metrics, and developed a data dashboard with instructions for collecting, entering, and visualizing program data. This evaluation project establishes the foundation for FVP to implement several data-collection strategies that will enable it to review, reflect, and comprehend the impact its programming is having on victims of domestic abuse with co-occurring addiction issues. This report contains information and data on the Somerset House theory of change and logic model, data inventory, performance metrics, exit survey, and data dashboard graphs. 6 figures and 21 references