Implementation

Because of the variety in proven interventions, states and communities have leeway to find programs that suit local values, opportunities and budgets. The key is to select strategies that have documented effectiveness, assure that they are implemented well and recognize the critical importance of a strong commitment to continuous program improvement.

• Match expectations with sufficient resources .  Be clear about the goals, purpose and target audience for specific programs.  Provide sufficient resources to ensure fidelity to the evidence-based model, or modify expectations to accommodate variances.   

• Identify barriers.   Effective policy development requires the identification of factors that may impede effective implementation. 

• Make provisions for broad-based input.  When involvement will increase the likelihood that the needs of children and families are being met by the policy, engage community stakeholders in implementation.  

• Support local capacity and communication . Provide technical assistance, monitoring, and oversight to local programs and agencies.  Create opportunities for local-to-local communication, best practices sharing, and local input on state policy decisions.

• Support ongoing evaluation and continuous program improvement.   

The Washington, D.C. Youth Advisory Council ensures broad-based input by establishing membership criteria that leads to a diverse and representative advisory group.  The council consists of 32 members, between the ages of 13 and 22, selected from various sectors of the District (3 members from each of the 8 district wards and 8 at-large representatives who have experience with the juvenile justice system and foster care system). Membership reflects a broad range of diversity encompassing but not limited to relevant differences such as ethnicity, location of residency, religion and gender. The Youth Advisory Council advises the Mayor, the District Council, DC public schools and other key decision-makers in the community and District government.