Guided Response: Utilizing chapters 7 and 9 of the textbook, McDavid et al. (2019), review several of your colleagues’ posts. Respond to at least two of your peers and examine their reasoning and choices for identifying the most critical factors in their proposals. Decide why you agree with their critique and explain. Analyze the evaluability of the proposal under consideration by your classmate. Offer advice and research that will help your classmate in finalizing the proposal.
Peer 1.
The program evaluation proposal focuses on mental health diversion programs within the criminal justice system, aiming to assess the effectiveness of diverting individuals with mental health issues towards treatment and support services. The proposal will include a needs assessment to identify the challenges faced by individuals with mental health issues involved in the criminal justice system and an impact monitoring component to evaluate the program’s outcomes on participants’ well-being. Additionally, the proposal will incorporate multiple socioeconomic, ethical, and research evaluation methods to ensure a comprehensive assessment of the mental health diversion program’s effectiveness in addressing the needs of this population.
Three critical components for the program evaluation proposal include preassessment analysis, needs assessment analysis, and cost-benefit analysis. Preassessment analysis is essential to understand the current state of the program, identify potential areas for improvement, and establish baseline data for comparison during the evaluation process (Bachman & Schutt, 2017). Conducting a thorough needs assessment analysis will help in identifying the specific challenges and barriers faced by individuals with mental health issues in the criminal justice system, guiding the development of targeted interventions and support services (Creswell & Poth, 2018). Cost-benefit analysis is crucial to assess the economic impact of the mental health diversion program, comparing the costs of implementation with the benefits and outcomes achieved, such as reduced recidivism rates and improved mental health outcomes (McDavid et al., 2019).
Furthermore, leadership, communication, and clear expectations are vital components for the success of the program evaluation proposal. Effective leadership is necessary to guide the evaluation process, coordinate stakeholders’ efforts, and ensure the program’s goals align with the evaluation objectives (Babbie, 2016). Clear communication among stakeholders, including program staff, participants, and evaluators, is essential to convey expectations, share information, and address any concerns or feedback throughout the evaluation process (Maxwell, 2013). Establishing clear expectations for the evaluation, including timelines, deliverables, and desired outcomes, will help in maintaining focus and accountability throughout the evaluation process (Tashakkori & Teddlie, 2010).
In conclusion, a comprehensive program evaluation proposal for mental health diversion programs in the criminal justice system requires a strategic approach that incorporates preassessment analysis, needs assessment analysis, cost-benefit analysis, effective leadership, clear communication, and clear expectations. By addressing these critical components, the evaluation can provide valuable insights into the program’s effectiveness in supporting individuals with mental health issues and inform future decision-making and program improvements within the criminal justice system.
References
Bachman, R., & Schutt, R. K. (2017). The practice of research in criminology and criminal justice. SAGE Publications.
Babbie, E. (2016). The practice of social research. Cengage Learning.
Creswell, J. W., & Poth, C. N. (2018). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches. SAGE Publications.
Maxwell, J. A. (2013). Qualitative research design: An interactive approach. SAGE Publications.
McDavid, J. C., Huse, I., & Hawthorn, L. R. L. (2019). Program evaluation and performance measurement: An introduction to practice. SAGE Publications.
Tashakkori, A., & Teddlie, C. (2010). SAGE handbook of mixed methods in social & behavioral research. SAGE Publications.
Peer 2
Needs assessments are a crucial component of juvenile justice system reform because they reveal the specific requirements of the system as well as the youths it serves. According to McCDavid, Huse, and Hawthorn (2019), a needs assessment involves recognizing the needs from an ethical, social, and technological perspective; developing strategies to determine the extent of the needs concerning available resources; prioritizing the needs; and lastly, deciding on a course of action.
Adolescents’ treatment and intervention needs, along with their risk of reoffending, can be better assessed individually. This allows for a more precise matching of needs to supervision and resources (RFK Community Alliance, 2013). A needs assessment; effective communication; and strong leadership are the three most important aspects of the proposed juvenile justice reform.
1) Needs Assessment: This is a methodical way to find out what people need and fill in the “gaps” between what’s now available and what would be ideal. Conducting a needs assessment within the framework of juvenile justice reform can assist in pinpointing the precise domains in dire need of transformation. Teens’ needs (e.g., mental health services, educational assistance, etc.), systemic needs (e.g., improved staff training, policy changes, etc.), and community needs (e.g., prevention programs, family resources, etc.) could all be considered in this process. Reforms can be more focused and successful if we know what those needs are. 
2) Communication: The success of every reform initiative depends on clear and consistent communication. All parties involved in the juvenile justice system, from personnel to other agencies, as well as the public, and the youth and their families, are involved in this type of communication. To make sure that everyone is on the same page regarding the reform effort’s objectives, tactics, and their part in it, it’s important to communicate clearly and consistently. It can also aid in getting people on board with the changes and making sure they get implemented well.
3) Leadership: Juvenile justice reform cannot be implemented without strong leadership. This includes community leaders who can promote the changes and assist garner public support, as well as juvenile justice system leaders who can steer the reform initiative and keep it on track. Aside from making sure the changes are sustainable in the long run, effective leaders may also aid in overcoming the problems and difficulties that crop up throughout the reform process.
References
McDavid, J. C., Huse, I., & Hawthorn, L. R. L. (2019). Program evaluation and performance measurement: An introduction to practice (3rd ed.). SAGE Publications.
RFK Community Alliance. (2013). Developmental Approach to Juvenile Justice Reform. National Research Council. Retrieved from: https://rfknrcjj.org/our-work/adolescent-brain-development/