Description: The implementation evaluation assesses those factors that are likely to promote the most success in achieving the long-term project outcomes.
Implementation Goals:
- Supportive climate for Ohio START implementation
- Staff have received training on the assessment tools that will be used during the referral process
- Cross-training on the START model has been provided to the teams
- Protocols for referring, accessing treatment in a timely manner, intensive case management, team meetings, and case closures have been developed by each county team
- Stronger collaboration established between the PCSA, behavioral health provider, and the juvenile/family court and specified in a signed MOU
- Certified lived experience recovery coaches have been identified for the participating counties
- Enhanced coordination of resources and support for parents and children
- Reduced wait time for accessing treatment for referral parents
- Increased parent engagement and retention in treatment
Data Sources:
- Conduct surveys with workers to assess implementation leadership, climate, and attitudes
- Assess change in knowledge due to trainings for child welfare caseworkers and key partners
- Assess changes in collaboration and contractual agreements between providers
- Work with the counties to better track the referral process, engagement in treatment, and coordination among the service providers
- Conduct interviews with key stakeholders – Researchers at Ohio University are conducting in depth interviews with staff in a sample of counties implementing Ohio START. The study aims to understand how this new, best practice is carried out by early adopters, including identifying the facilitators and barriers to implementation. Findings will help inform current implementation practices and potentially inform expansion to additional counties.