Overview
PSI is a technical assistance provider on a national research and demonstration project, led by mdrc, a research organization responsible for evaluating a federally-funded, multi-site, multi-million dollar social services project.
Client’s Goal
To ensure all research sites deliver premier family services.
PSI’s Role
To provide training and technical assistance to the sites involved in the national research and demonstration project. Each site operated a unique program, and PSI was asked to identify promising practices and work with all participating sites to improve program operations and ensure the high quality of provided services.
PSI’s Tactics
PSI worked with the research team to conduct site selection and provide consultation on outcome measures, implementation findings and sustainability strategies. The project was the first of its kind, focused on low-income married parents, and looked at a comprehensive preventive approach to strengthening families.
PSI worked directly with the participating research sites to assist in program design, service delivery and project management, in addition to providing consultation to the research team.
PSI conducted site visits and telephone consultations, and developed materials to support the sites in a variety of operational areas. PSI provided guidance and technical assistance to multiple sites regarding:
- Program design
- Staffing (i.e. job descriptions, organizational structure)
- Operations (i.e. recruitment, retention, workshop delivery)
- Management tools (i.e. data tracking and reporting)
- Case management
- Marketing and program outreach
- Building community partnerships
PSI identified promising practices that could be implemented across program sites. The diversity of the sites provided an opportunity to identify strategies that were successful at one location and could be implemented in various program settings.
Results
The sites to which PSI provided consultation, training and technical assistance had the highest participant retention rates and consistently exceeded the benchmarks set by the research project.
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"I have worked with Public Strategies for the past three years and can attest to the tenacity and skill they bring to delivering programs. They consistently seek excellence in all areas of program implementation including project operations and design.”
Alan M. Hershey, Senior Fellow
Mathematica Policy Research, Inc.
Washington, D.C.
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