AF SWG 623 Reading Reflection 7

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Arizona State University *

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623

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Sociology

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Feb 20, 2024

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1 M7 Reading Reflection School of Social Work | Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions Arizona State University SWG 623: Program Evaluation Kellie MacDonald-Evoy, LMSW April 16, 2023 M7 Reading Reflection
2 One key takeaway from the readings was the importance of building trust between researchers and Native American communities. Pacheco et al. (2013) highlight the history of mistrust between Native Americans and researchers due to past unethical practices and exploitation. They argue that in order to foster trust and create cooperative connections, researchers must engage in culturally sensitive techniques, such as including members of the community in the study process. Another takeaway is the need for researchers to be aware of and sensitive to the unique cultural values and beliefs of Native American communities when conducting research. The SAMHSA (2014) guidelines emphasize the importance of considering the cultural context of research, such as the use of traditional healing practices, in order to ensure that research is conducted in a respectful and ethical manner. One aspect from the readings that surprised me was the level of mistrust and historical trauma that American Indian communities have experienced at the hands of researchers and the government. The article cites examples of unethical research practices, such as forced sterilization and the use of American Indian children in medical experiments without their parents' consent. Learning about this history was eye-opening and highlights the need for researchers to be aware of and sensitive to this historical context. By highlighting the value of forming dependable connections with the communities I work with, the knowledge I gained from these sources will influence how I conduct future evaluations. Understanding the community's cultural context and beliefs and including community members in all phases of the evaluation process will be my top priorities. Additionally, I'll be sensitive to any historical trauma that communities may have endured and make sure that my evaluation work is both non-exploitative and advantageous to the neighborhood.
3 When looking back on this course as a whole, one of the biggest takeaways I feel I gained is the importance of conducting thorough evaluations of social programs to ensure their effectiveness and efficiency. I have learned that evaluations should be planned and carried out with attention to detail, taking into account the context in which the program operates, the needs of its clients, and the available resources. Another key takeaway I gained from this course is the significance of involving stakeholders in the evaluation process, including program staff, clients, funders, and other community members, to ensure that their perspectives are considered in shaping the program's outcomes and future directions. As a social worker, even if not leading or participating in a program evaluation, the lessons learned from this course can be applied in daily practice. Social workers can use the principles of program evaluation to assess their own interventions and strategies, ensuring that they are evidence-based and effective in achieving desired outcomes. For example, social workers can use client feedback and outcome measures to evaluate the effectiveness of their interventions and make necessary adjustments to improve client outcomes. Additionally, social workers can advocate for the implementation of evidence-based programs and the allocation of resources to support their evaluation and improvement. References
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4 Pacheco, C. M., et al. (2013).  Moving forward: Breaking the cycle of mistrust between American Indians and researchers.   Links to an external site. American Journal of Public Health, 103(12): 2152 -2159. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (n.d.). Steps for Conducting Research and Evaluation in Native Communities. Retrieved April 12, 2023, from https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/nace-steps-conducting-research- evaluation-native-communities.pdf