This project involves the ongoing evaluation of the national "Greenbook" demonstration which addresses the co-ocurrence of domestic violence and child maltreatment.
The multilevel, multi-site comparative research design uses both cross-site and within site variations in system-level measures to study across- and within-system changes. The evaluation focuses on system change, rather than individual level change for a number of reasons. First, evaluation planning activities and other data indicated that sites were primarily engaged in activities that address system change. They were working to enhance cross-system information exchange, develop cross-training, and improve screening and assessment procedures. Furthermore, the dynamic nature of collaborative work and the difficulty inherent in implementing cross-system change in policies, procedures, and actual practice made it impractical to expect notable change on the individual and family level within the initial timeframe of the initiative.
Year 5 evaluation activities are critical to understanding the outcome of the systems change efforts in the demonstration communities, and the strategies and processes communities use to achieve those outcomes. Systems change will be assessed on a number of dimensions, including collaboration, identification of co-occurrence, information sharing, and safety and advocacy for those experiencing family violence. Systems change will not only be assessed across these various dimensions, but also at multiple levels and in multiple settings. Policy and practice changes will be examined at community, stakeholder, supervisor, direct service worker, and case file levels. Furthermore, the diversity of Greenbook sites will allow the national evaluation to assess systems change in rural, urban, and suburban settings. At the conclusion of Year 5, this evaluation will not only document systems change in the demonstration communities by assessing the impact of following the Greenbook guidance on systems policy and practice, but will also provide a blueprint for other communities interested in following the Greenbook recommendations.