Copyright, 2003 © Black Adoption Placement and Research Center Public/Private Partnership Tools and Evaluation Methods Black Adoption Placement and Research Center Presenters: Gloria King, Executive Director Sylvia Mays, Associate Director

Copyright, 2003 © Black Adoption Placement and Research Center Workshop Goals The Seeds of An Idea: PIP What is Collaboration? Why Collaborate Our Track Record Factors to Consider 7 Key Components Organizational Development Stages Design and Methodology Performance Reporting Tools for Recruitment What We Learned How Children Benefited

Copyright, 2003 © Black Adoption Placement and Research Center The Seeds of an Idea: PIP Identifying “hard-to-place” children Providing the private agencies access to waiting children Targeted recruitment efforts – presenting children based on strengths Building community alliances for support and resource sharing Setting realistic goals Making minority and older children a priority

Copyright, 2003 © Black Adoption Placement and Research Center What is Collaboration? A “mutually beneficial and well defined relationship entered into by two or more organizations to achieve common goals that could not be accomplished by any single entity.” The key point is that in order for collaborative programs to work, there must be a benefit to all agencies, and the relationships must be well defined.

Copyright, 2003 © Black Adoption Placement and Research Center Why Collaborate? Ensure permanency for children Minimal placement and social worker changes Recruitment efforts that yield a pool of viable families Supportive services for foster families at the same level as adoptive families Meets needs of diverse groups Uniform training of adoptive and foster families Standardized criteria for child’s entry into fost-adopt status Provide adequate financial support and services for fost-adopt families Strengthen and empower families Promote positive attitudes toward adoption

Copyright, 2003 © Black Adoption Placement and Research Center Our Track Record Partners in Placement San Francisco County - SFChild Project SNAP (Special Needs Adoption Program) Project In Touch Alameda County - Child Abuse Prevention Oakland Adoption Providers Black Family Preservation Symposium

Copyright, 2003 © Black Adoption Placement and Research Center Factors to Consider What is your agency’s: Mission, Philosophy, Values and Organizational Culture? Vision and goals? Level of commitment and what are you willing to Risk? What is your Infrastructure and Staff capability? What is your financial viability and Growth pattern?

Copyright, 2003 © Black Adoption Placement and Research Center 7 Key Components There are seven key elements to successful collaborations: 1.Well established, frequent communication among agencies. 2.Positive regard between agencies. 3.The membership of the collaborative effort is strategic to the task. 4.Development of clear and well defined mission statement, goals, objectives and long-term strategy.

Copyright, 2003 © Black Adoption Placement and Research Center 7 Key Components Successful collaborations (continued): 5.Every member of the collaboration has a role and is clear about the parameters of their responsibilities. 6.Flexibility among the membership and a willingness to change course as needed. 7.Mutual agreement on the agenda for meetings. Source: Michael Wyner-Cyr, Collaboration Defined (St. Paul, MN: A. H. Wilder Foundation, 1992.)

Copyright, 2003 © Black Adoption Placement and Research Center Organizational Development Stages Stage I - Cooperation –Focus of Formal Structure –Personnel Limitations –Operating Style Stage II – Coordination Stage III - Collaboration

Copyright, 2003 © Black Adoption Placement and Research Center Design and Methodology Service and Program Objectives Lead and Fiscal Agent Organizational Structure Form of Communication Performance Reporting Evaluation Sustaining Partnership

Copyright, 2003 © Black Adoption Placement and Research Center Performance Reporting Report Components: Narrative Information YTD Service Objectives Monthly Performance Results

Copyright, 2003 © Black Adoption Placement and Research Center Performance Reporting Narrative Information: Community Events Advertising & Outreach Print & Electronic Media Upcoming Events - Next Quarter Administrative Update Collaborative Agencies –Recruitment Activities –Post-Placement Activities

Copyright, 2003 © Black Adoption Placement and Research Center Performance Reporting YTD Service Objectives Set During RFP Process Measured & Tracked Monthly Performance Reported Quarterly –Inquiries –Information Meetings Held –Information Meeting Attendees –Initial Applications Processed –Personal In-home Interview Conducted –30-Hour Preparatory Classes (MAPP) Conducted –MAPP Graduates –Homestudies Accepted –Agency Information Meetings Conducted

Copyright, 2003 © Black Adoption Placement and Research Center Performance Reporting Monthly Performance Results

Copyright, 2003 © Black Adoption Placement and Research Center Tools for Recruitment A Strategic Approach Know your population and their communities Develop an “annual” recruitment plan, including Grassroots' Activities Print/Electronic Media Campaigns Outreach to Businesses and Community, Civic, Faith-based Organizations Child-Specific Efforts Establish Specific Recruitment Goals Evaluate Plan Effectiveness

Copyright, 2003 © Black Adoption Placement and Research Center Tools for Recruitment Information Booths Print Media - Ads Electronic Media PSAs Web Site Child Specific Newsletter Television “Kids Corner”

Copyright, 2003 © Black Adoption Placement and Research Center Keys to Success for the Recruiter Recruiter – Keys to Success Accept your role as “Educator” 60% of your time will be dedicated to “dispelling myths” Be Everywhere for Everyone Being “creative and resourceful” really helps “Instantaneous” Follow-up “Love” your job

Copyright, 2003 © Black Adoption Placement and Research Center Tools for Recruitment Agency – Keys to Success Hire “appropriate” recruitment staff Be willing to commit resources ($) to the recruitment effort Seek out opportunities to partner with others Provide “post-placement” services to help support “retention” of families Understand just getting one (1) family from inquiry to placement is a “miracle”

Copyright, 2003 © Black Adoption Placement and Research Center What We Learned A willingness to invest time to gain understanding of processes, procedures, and systems A commitment to open, clear, and honest communication. Acknowledgement of each participant as an equal partner. An adapt ion of individual views and practices through self- examination, dialogue and feedback. An appreciation of diversity. An agreement to keep the goal and mission – the children - in the forefront.

Copyright, 2003 © Black Adoption Placement and Research Center How Children Benefited