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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