pdf [5.3MB] - Department of Families, Housing, Community Services

Research on efficacy – Evaluation of Reconnect (2003)A Reconnect evaluation was carried out in 2003 to provide insight into (Department of Familyand Community Services, FACS 2003): outcomes for young people and families using the program and the extent to whichoutcomes were sustained over time; the extent to which Reconnect contributed to an improvement in the communitycapacity for early intervention in youth homelessness; the effectiveness of strategies used by Reconnect in working with young people,families and communities and; the effectiveness of the program’s management.This comprehensive evaluation provides a good foundation for assessing the effectiveness ofthe Reconnect program. Data were collected through a variety of sources and previousstudies of the program (FACS, 2003). Two longitudinal studies investigated client outcomes and community-capacity buildingoutcomes. The Statistical Report on the Longitudinal Survey of Reconnect Clients byRPR Consulting (2003) was focused on clients. The Report of the ReconnectLongitudinal Study: Building Community Capacity for Early Intervention by RPRConsulting (2003) examined the impact of Reconnect on building community capacity. There were assessments of the effectiveness of individual Reconnect services. There was also a report on good practice emerging from the program. Two case study reports examined how Reconnect services worked collaboratively withother service providers.The two longitudinal studies provided key inputs into the evaluation. The Statistical Reporton the Longitudinal Survey of Reconnect Clients was carried out by surveying new clientsabout their lives and experiences at two points in time – in the early stages of support and atthe conclusion of support (approximately ten months apart). Wave one of the surveycommenced in November 2001 and Wave two in October 2002. There were 1,001 casesselected to participate, 516 of which were new clients and 485 clients whose support periodhad ended. Cases could consist of a young person only, adult(s) only or both.The client longitudinal study evaluation is of particular relevance for assessing the outcomefrom Reconnect in terms of improving family, work, education/training and communityengagement. The following figure illustrates the prevalence of various factors acrossReconnect client cases, useful in ascertaining the types of issues clients were dealing with,and perhaps the NFF characteristics that could be influenced by the Reconnect program.83