Harnessing Personalized Data Science
Imagine if social services could be as individualized as your favorite music playlist—tailored to each person’s unique needs and circumstances. That’s the promise of Personalized Data Science (Per-DS), a paradigm that shifts the focus from big data to small, individualized data. Unlike population-based approaches, where services are designed based on general data from large groups,…
How Effective Evaluation Can Transform Social Services
In today’s fast-paced world, social service programs are constantly evolving to meet the changing needs of communities. But how do we know if these programs are effective? How can we ensure that social services are truly making a difference? The answer lies in evaluation—specifically, how we use evaluation to improve outcomes. A recent scoping review…
Disparities in Police Violence: The Power of Place and Vulnerability
Fatal police shootings are a deeply concerning issue in the United States, with racial minorities, particularly Black and Hispanic communities, bearing the brunt of these tragedies. Recent research analyzing data from 2015 to 2022 provides new insights into the complex interactions between social vulnerability, race, and geography that drive fatal encounters with law enforcement. For…
Common Method Bias: A Challenge in Program Evaluations
In the realm of social services, effective program evaluation is critical to understanding what works, what doesn’t, and how to improve services for those who need them most. Whether it’s tracking the success of a youth outreach initiative or measuring the impact of mental health support programs, data plays a central role in driving decisions…
Understanding the 2023 Pennsylvania Youth Survey: What It Means for Our Community
The 2023 Pennsylvania Youth Survey (PAYS) gives us a snapshot of what’s happening with young people across the state. From their thoughts on substance use to their mental health, this survey highlights both positive changes and areas of concern. While we don’t have data specific to our local school or county, the statewide trends offer…
The Power of Evaluation Capacity Building in Social Services Administration: Insights for Implementation
In today’s fast-paced, data-driven world, effective administration of social services requires more than just good intentions—it demands evidence-based decision-making. But how can organizations ensure that their programs are not only impactful but continuously improving? The answer lies in a concept known as Evaluation Capacity Building (ECB). ECB isn’t just about conducting evaluations; it’s about embedding…
Future-Proofing Social Services
The Role of Foresight in Program Design and Implementation In a world marked by volatility and uncertainty, designing social service programs is no longer as simple as planning for the present. As the environment in which these programs operate becomes more complex, so too must the methods we use to ensure their success. Theories of…
The New Face of Local Government: Navigating Change, Innovation, and Social Equity
In recent years, local governments in the U.S. have faced unprecedented challenges, from navigating the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic to managing complex intergovernmental relationships. These challenges have led to a surge in collaboration, innovation, and public engagement that is reshaping the way local governments operate. While many of these changes are promising, they…
Publication Bias Assessments in Social Services
As professionals working in social services, you are on the front lines of implementing programs and interventions aimed at improving community outcomes. But how often do you stop to think about the research that informs these programs? Many of the frameworks you rely on are based on scientific studies, often summarized in meta-analyses, which aggregate…
Enhancing Local Government Transparency: Lessons for Social Service Administrators
Transparency has become a cornerstone of democratic governance, ensuring that governments operate in the open and citizens are kept informed about decisions that affect their lives. The growing research on local government transparency highlights how transparency can bridge the gap between governments and citizens, fostering trust and participation. This has profound implications for professionals administering…
Building Bridges with Culturally Responsive and Equitable Evaluation (CREE)
In recent years, the conversation around equity has expanded from education and health into the broader realm of social services, emphasizing the need for approaches that account for diverse perspectives. One such approach is Culturally Responsive and Equitable Evaluation (CREE, link will download a pdf.), which integrates cultural, historical, and contextual factors into program evaluation…
Breaking Barriers: Grantmaking for a More Equitable Future
Imagine a world where grant funding truly reflects the diverse voices and needs of all communities. A world where small, underrepresented organizations have as much chance of receiving crucial funds as large, established entities. This vision isn’t just a dream—it’s the future of equitable grantmaking. The recent report from WestEd, Equity in Grantmaking: A Review…
