Dana Keener, PhD Tina Gaudiano, MA, LPC Carolyn Turner, BA Serving Pregnant and Parenting Adolescents in a Community-Based Setting: Implications for Evaluation Dana Keener, PhD Tina Gaudiano, MA, LPC Carolyn Turner, BA 2009 Meeting of the American Evaluation Association November 13, 2009

Middle Tyger Community Center Setting the Context Middle Tyger Community Center Lyman, SC

About MTCC Est. 1998 in a refurbished abandoned school building Seed money from the Mary Black Foundation Private non-profit organization (501c3) School district is the fiscal agent Multiple organizations and providers located under one roof

MTCC

Service to Adolescent Mothers High quality early childhood education for children of adolescent mothers has been an anchor program since 1998 Learned early that child care is not enough Added parenting programs Multiple partners Service integration and collaboration

MTCC Care Program

Background Awarded funds in 2006 Just completed 3rd year of five year grant

Target Population Pregnant or parenting adolescents Spartanburg School District Two or Five Must be less than 19 years of age to enter the program Must be enrolled in an educational program Comparison Group

Goals of the Program Increase educational attainment Prevent repeat pregnancy Increase immunization adherence Increase developmental assets

Service Components Monthly home visits Weekly parenting classes Monthly case management Semi-annual family forums Early childhood education (District 5 only)

Evaluation Design Quasi-experimental, longitudinal design Two treatment groups One with and one without early childhood education One treatment-as-usual comparison group Baseline collected when participants enter the program Follow-ups collected at annual post-partum intervals

Evaluation Opportunities Posed by a Community-Based Setting The work is at the heart of their mission Flexibility to go to clients where they are Culture of service Holistic approach No competing bottom-lines Build partnerships to expand opportunities for recruitment, service delivery, and participation

Evaluation Challenges Posed by a Community-Based Setting Can’t rely on a captive audience Transportation Multiple service venues increase time, expense, and safety concerns Requires flexible staff / working after hours Maintaining consistency of services

Lessons for Evaluating Other Community-Based Programs Demonstrate your value to the community Make schools your first string partner (superintendent, principals) Serve on local advisory boards Reduce burden on schools/partners

Lessons for Evaluating Other Community-Based Programs Offer multiple opportunities for participation Commitment to evaluation increases our credibility Hire staff who are right for the job Promote an attitude of perseverance Successful evaluation depends on access to the target audience and successful implementation

Contact Information Dr. Dana Keener ICF Macro, Atlanta, GA dana.c.keener@macrointernational.com (404) 592-2206