Military Family Services Program Participant Survey Briefing Notes

What are the elements of the MFSP Accountability Framework? Financial accountability MOU Needs assessment Audits Formal site visits Evaluation of services (see MFSP: Parameters for Practice, pp )

MFSP Accountability Framework at a Glance Service Category Service Components ObjectivesIndicators Personal development and community integration Child and youth development and parenting support Family separation and reunion 1711 Prevention support and intervention TOTAL156293

Why Collect this Information? Implementation of the service accountability framework in MFSP: Parameters for Practice (pp ) It is hoped that this system will replace BSI and NID Will provide more meaningful information for decision making at national and local level

MFSP Accountability Framework The System The method (survey) used to collect data to measure the performance indicators within the MFSP Accountability Framework.

How Was the MFSP Accountability System Developed? Involvement of field throughout the process With intention to create value at centre level and at MFSP level With an emphasis on how to improve

Why a Survey Approach? Our main choices are to: – observe – ask Surveys are an efficient method of obtaining information about experiences, opinions, past behaviors – these cannot be observed Surveys are easy to analyze

The Accountability System Aim was to create feasible system that provided meaningful information for a reasonable effort A selection from the accountability framework – Based on field based workgroup priorities – DMFS management priorities 17 objectives and indicators selected – All service components represented (two have 2 indicators each) – Some relate to process; some to outcomes

The Accountability System (2) In addition 4 items were selected from principles of family support as described in MFSP: Parameters for Practice 11 structured items look at participant characteristics and participation patterns 3 open ended items to allow respondents to expand on any answers or provide additional information.

Final Overview of the Survey Questions 1 – 4 – How you and your family were treated in this centre. Questions – Your family’s experiences in the community in which you live. Questions 22 – 43 – information about you and members of your family 3 Open ended questions – Further explanation – Other comments about this centre – Other comments about this community experience

How Does the Survey Work? Items are written to obtain information about the experience of participants, – not a direct reflection of centre services (services may be provided directly, indirectly or by others) Respondents should think of current posting when answering questions

How will information be used? Responses within each centre will be aggregated Centres can look for trends in responses and use information to better understand what works well and what needs attention DMFS will also aggregate data on national level and use information to manage MFSP

Database Will enable completion of surveys on line or on paper by 2007 – For Year 1 surveys will be completed on paper (machine scorable forms) Will automatically analyze in real time Centres will have reports of own data and comparison data (national, previous year) DMFS will have aggregated data Results will be presented in tables and charts

What Impact Will Survey Results Have on Funding? The survey will not have a direct impact on funding. It is one of many sources of information that are taken into account in the management and funding of centres and of the MFSP as a whole.

How does the MFSP Accountability Framework System (MFSP Participant Survey) link to Local Evaluation?

Evaluation Planning DMFS establishes evaluation requirements common to all MFRCs Centres determine their own additional evaluation needs Centre Evaluation Committee or equivalent Develops a centre evaluation plan that integrates local and corporate evaluation requirements

Example of a Local Evaluation Plan Required MFSP survey Interested in more detail about Assessment and Referral component— develops own survey Conducts focus groups to get more detail and context for survey results Can use items in accountability framework and/or create own

Possible Uses of Evaluation Information Information Funding application Activity Listing Evaluation Plan Other Information Service delivery planning Improvements in Services Improvements In Programs New Programs Organizational planning Strategic Planning Staff Training Facility Issues Access, Use, Uptake Issues Advocacy DND Partners Community Partners Marketing, Promotion

The MFSP Evaluation Survey General Procedures

When is the survey conducted? Two-week period, chosen by centre, during last fiscal quarter Centres should maximize legitimate participation during evaluation period

Who is the Survey data about? The survey is collecting data that reflects the experience of MFSP participants as defined in MFSP: Parameters for Practice (page 26/27)

Who can complete the survey? One person per family,18 years or over Normally this would be an immediate member of that family and knowledgeable about the entire family experience If not an immediate family member then they must ensure that they are responding based on that families experience. Paid staff are not eligible even if participating in services (volunteers are)

Can we combine the survey with other evaluation activities? To ensure consistency across C/MFRCs and to maintain the integrity of the process, we ask that no other formal evaluation activities be undertaken during the two-week period

How do we assure confidentiality? Respondents do not provide their name They seal their completed survey into an envelope Envelope is placed into a sealed collection box that will be shipped to DMFS When surveys are analyzed it will be in aggregate—no individual responses will be reported.

What Is the Role of the Board of Directors, Staff, Volunteers and Partners? Promote the survey in general conversation. Encourage families to complete the survey. Be prepared to explain why another survey is necessary.