What We Do

Research and Evaluation

The National Federation of Families views family and youth involvement in the research agenda about children’s mental health to be essential. In addition, the use of evaluation skills, evaluative thinking, and data are critical and powerful components of a good advocate’s tool box. In this section you will find resources, tools, and information. Please let us know what else you would like to find here by E-mailing ESlaton@ffcmh.org

Blamed and Ashamed: The Treatment Experiences of Youth with Co-Occurring SA and MH Disorders and Their Families (2001)
The final report of a family- and youth-conducted study about treatment experiences.

Evaluation Tools for Family-run Organizations

Family Engagement in Evaluation: Lessons Learned (2004)
A brief about early lessons learned during the development of the National Federation’s evaluation training program for families.

Parent Partner Assessment Workgroup
Past presentations, evaluation measures, literature review, and guides resulting from the work of seven communities convened and facilitated by the National Federation to examine family-to-family support programs, assessment strategies and outcomes over a three year period.
(See also National Family-to-Family Support Initiative)

Resources for Engaging Families in Program Evaluation

Technical Assistance to Native Families: Clues from a Focus Group (2000)
The final report of a cross-cultural family-driven study about the technical assistance needs of Native families. Includes lessons learned about cultural competence.

A Workbook on Data Informed and Family Driven Decision Making: Evidence as Co-Pilot (2009)
A self-directed workbook for family leaders based on a training series by the same name. The contents can also be used as exercises in evaluation training for family leaders and other stakeholders.