Developing a Logic Model Identify the problem or issue that the program will address Identify the ultimate goal of the program in addressing the problem The objectives lead to the conduct of a variety of activities (intervention, training, service delivery) Each activity is assumed to result in short-term outcomes The short-term outcomes lead to intermediate outcomes The intermediate outcomes lead to long-term outcomes Long-term outcomes should have an impact on the ultimate program goal

Problem/Issue The adolescent pregnancy rate and STI/STD rate in Washington State is increasing. A needs assessment points to pockets of “high risk” youth 13-16 years of age that are especially vulnerable and are accounting for a disproportionate share of these rates. The Department of Health wants to address this issue by funding “client focused” prevention interventions targeting these populations in the state. A RFP is sent out and your team will respond. Develop a simple logic model that “maps” your response.

Logic Model: Client Centered Program Goal Outcome Objectives Intervention (Process) Short-term Outcomes Intermediate Outcomes Long-term Outcomes A statement of an ideal or hoped for state or condition. It is usually general and abstract. Statements that specify the desirable results of an intervention that are derived from the goal. Statements that identify the steps to be taken toward accomplishing a desired end (outcome). Inputs Activities Interventions Short term benefits or changes for participants that are influenced by a program’s outputs. (e.g., Knowledge, Attitudes, Intention) Intermediate benefits or changes for participants that are influenced by a program’s outputs and follow short term outcomes. (e.g., Behavior). Long term benefits or changes for participants that are influenced by a program’s outputs, follow intermediate outcomes and impact the target population. Outputs are the products of program activities and are measured in terms of what was done, how it was done, and who received it. Outputs

Exercise Identify: Goal Outcome Objectives Inputs/Activities/Intervention Outputs Short Term Outcomes Intermediate Term Outcomes Long term Term Outcomes

Goal To improve the social and health well being of teens by delaying sexual intercourse and/or reducing risks for early pregnancy/STDs

Outcome Objectives Increase knowledge About sexuality, relationships, decision making, and communication. Increase intention to delay sexual activity, achieve higher education, and use contraception Decrease intention to use substances Behavior changes (Decrease/delay sexual intercourse/ Increase use of contraceptives).

Intervention To offer group sessions which will include discussions on Sexuality and safe sexual behaviors, relationships, self-esteem, decision-making and communication skills. To provide individual counseling, Advocacy, and referrals to other community services.

Outputs Attendance in group sessions Client perception of groups in meeting needs Number and hours of advocacy and counseling sessions

Short Term Outcomes Increase knowledge About sexuality, relationships, decision making, and communication Increase intention to delay sexual activity, achieve higher education, and contraception Decrease intention to use substances

Intermediate Outcomes (Behavior) Delayed/decrease sexual intercourse Increase use of contraceptives. Decrease substance use

Long Term Outcomes (Impacts) Reduction in pregnancy and STD rates amongst teens in targeted areas

Logic Model: Client Centered Program Goal Outcome Objectives Intervention (Process) Short-term Outcomes Intermediate Outcomes Long-term Outcomes Improve the social and health well being of teens by delaying sexual intercourse and/or reducing risks for early pregnancy/STDs Increase knowledge About sexuality, relationships, decision making, and communication. Increase intention to delay sexual activity, achieve higher education, and use contraception Decrease intention to use substances Behavior changes To offer group sessions which will include discussions on Sexuality and safe sexual behaviors, relationships, self-esteem, decision-making and Communication skills. To provide individual counseling, Advocacy, and referrals to other community services. Increase knowledge About sexuality, relationships, decision making, and communication Increase intention to delay sexual activity, achieve higher education, and contraception Decrease intention to use substances. Delayed sexual intercourse and or reduction of risk for early pregnancy with the use of contraceptives. Decrease substance use Reduction in pregnancy and STD rates amongst teens in the targeted areas. >Attendance in group sessions >Client perception of groups in meeting needs >Number and hours of advocacy and counseling sessions. Outputs

Why Bother? Clarifies the difference between activities and intended outcomes Helps develop a common understanding of the program between managers, staff, other stakeholders, and the evaluator Has a wide variety of uses including program monitoring, quality assurance, benchmarking, and evaluation Can be used as a map for both managers and evaluators

Logic Model: Limitations Represents reality, not reality Programs are not linear Focuses on expected outcomes Challenge of causal attribution Many factors influence outcomes Doesn’t address: Are we doing the right thing? Challenge of causal attribution: Does not suggest/’prove’ that program caused the outcome Adapted from UW Extension

Basic Considerations When Developing a Logic Model No one way to do it Keep the model simple to begin. Add elements as you go along. The logic model should show clear, logical relationships between components

Adapted from UW Extension Check Your Logic Model Are the outcomes really outcomes? Is the longest-term outcome meaningful? Is it logical? Is it realistic? Does it represent the program’s purpose; response to the situation? Adapted from UW Extension