Benchmark - Research Proposal Final Paper

Select a local agency/program that addresses your selected social issue. View the agency/program’s website and call or visit the agency/program and use the checklist below to interview the manager:

Name of agency/program you contacted: Arizona Youth Partnership/Starting out Right

What is the mission statement/vision of the program/agency? Arizona Youth Partnership builds solid foundations for youth and families by partnering with Arizona communities to prevent and solve local issues such as substance abuse, youth homelessness, and lack of educational opportunities, teen pregnancy, and challenging family dynamics.

What theory (theories) is the program based on? The program provides health education services to parenting and pregnant teenagers since they have unique needs and challenges.

Describe the target population of the program.

Teenagers. They are the main cause of the commencing of the program hence become the target population.

What are the stated goals and objectives of the program? How does the agency/program measure the current program outcomes according to the program’s existing evaluation practices?

The goals and objectives of the Starting Out Right program are to guide young mothers through a healthy pregnancy whereby they are provided with efficient information on what to expect during pregnancy, how to plan for labor, and how to parent their newborn child.

What are the data collection procedures? (Surveys, questionnaires, etc.) Explain if these procedures have been effective or not.

The program has reached out to most pregnant teenagers through online surveys. The data collection procedure has been effective since many pregnant teenagers have responded and are attaining necessary assistance from the agency.

What are the data analysis strategies that they use? Explain if these strategies have been effective or not.

The agency uses prescriptive data techniques to analyze its data. The data analysis strategy has been effective which resulted in a 90% success birth rate for over 15 years.

Who are the community stakeholders involved in the program?

Pediatricians, volunteers, lawyers, doctors, and the county government.

List some of the resources available to which clients (the target population) are referred:

Supportive services and community-based health education.

Are there any gaps in services/resources? If so, briefly explain how your proposed project/program can fill those gaps. If there are no gaps, propose some ways to raise stakeholder awareness:

The services provided by the agency do not have any gaps. The agency should publish the testimonies of the recent teen parents who got the opportunity to acquire help from the program. These stories would then encourage other pregnant teenagers to step forward and ask for assistance without fear of discrimination from society.

If there are no obvious gaps in resources/services provided, explain how your proposed program/project could still reinforce or complement what this agency/program is doing to address the selected social issue:

The agency could include training to the parent of pregnant teenagers to educate them on how to deal with their children considering their situation. Some parents may tend to be harsh on their children which stress the pregnant teens which may cause miscarriage cases or stillbirths. Though it is not ethically acceptable for a young one to engage in sexual activities, the parent should be educated on the best way to react and deal with the issue hence supporting the teen.

Describe the personnel structure of the program. Describe the leadership involved. What are the degrees required?

Explain if a strategic plan for the program is apparent or not. Is the program designed with culturally competent policies in mind?

A strategic plan is apparent for the Starting Out Right program since it helps the agency organize their teenage members in a specific way they can monitor their stages and advice accordingly. For example, the pregnant teenager should receive more attention when she is due for birth and immediately after birth. The organization also considered the cultural policies while starting the program.

Explain the activities provided by the program. Is there a range of activities?

· Healthy relationships

· Pregnancy health and wellness

· Labor and delivery

· Birth Control

· Newborn care and safety

· Breastfeeding

How is this program funded? How is the funding sustained?

The program receives funds from the county government grant, other grants, contracts, contributions, program fees, and special events. The funding is sustained and used in the program by providing necessary facilities to the young mother, and mothers-to-be.

What are the intended short, moderate, and long-term outcomes expected in the program? How are they measured or evaluated for effectiveness?

The program is set to reduce teenage violence dating as it provides expectant and parenting youth with an innovative combination of pre-natal and post-natal support which also expects the teenage mother to raise her child in the best way possible.