The Power of Focus Groups in Social Services
Imagine you’re planning a new playground or trying to address a wave of neighborhood break-ins. How do you ensure your approach aligns with what the community truly needs? Focus groups… Read More
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… Read More
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… Read More
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… Read More
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… Read More
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… Read More
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… Read More
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… Read More
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… Read More
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… Read More
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… Read More
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…. Read More
