Australasian Evaluation Society Conference 2011 Influencing best practice in Aboriginal programs through strengths based evaluation approaches. Margaret Scott, Senior Consultant WestWood Spice, Sydney

Introduction Need to build evidence base Need to capture successes Need to build capacity Need to influence service managers, non- Aboriginal workers, funders and policy makers and community Need for appropriate approaches to legitimise Aboriginal ways of working

Context Services and programs Settings - mainstream & Aboriginal community controlled Partnerships between services - variable Different ways of working needed Mismatch with mainstream protocols, frameworks, indicators

Case studies MRAMSA Review of mental health and social and emotional well-being services. Capacity building review of NSW aboriginal Sexual Health Worker Network Review of SSWAHS Aboriginal Chronic Disease Program. Evaluation of Aboriginal Legal Access Program Evaluation of Walgan Tilly – Aboriginal Chronic Disease Program.

Aboriginal workers – the vital links Ways of working – community engagement, outreach, informal/indirect, cultural/community protocols Cultural & community knowledge Conduits to services, advocates for community Multiple roles, community expectations Racism & discrimination Personal & community issues

Evaluation challenges/opportunities Lack of program/service planning/logic Variable quality & approaches Poor data collection systems Inconsistent roles Workforce capacity & experience variable Need appropriate indicators, meaningful data Navigating sensitivities & politics Relationship building

Approaches Flexible, tailored to purpose – mixed methods Strengths based – appreciative focus Consultative, participatory Capacity building Cultural considerations Strong scoping, attention to framing questions Attention to outcomes as well as process Settings/informal conversations – “yarn-ups” Feedback & checking findings

Levels of influence Workers Non-Aboriginal workers Managers Funders, policy makers Other service providers Community members

Overall comments Many examples of quality programs – local successes Diversity, innovation Leadership matters Strong partnerships essential Service capacity is building incrementally Need for – workforce reform, development & support – robust logic models – impact pathways, appropriate indicators – advocacy with mainstream, cultural competence

Conclusion Quality Aboriginal community based programs and services are models of best practice for the whole community. Current opportunities with focus on Closing the Gap Need for ongoing capacity building