Week 7: How: Creating a Logic Model and Theory of Change

Logic models are valuable tools both for practice and for program evaluation. They enhance purpose and focus in social work, and they help social workers examine assumptions about what clients need, how to address those needs, and what may change if those needs are fulfilled.

 

This week, you practice creating a logic model and using that model to help in the developmental stages of a program. You develop a number of models: one for a program with which you are familiar and models at both the practice and program levels for a case study.

 

Learning Objectives

 

Students will:

 

· Create a logic model for a practitioner-level social work intervention

 

· Generate a theory of change for a practitioner-level social work intervention

 

· Create a logic model for a social work program

 

· Generate a theory of change for a social work program

 

Learning Resources

 

Required Readings

 

Dudley, J. R. (2020). Social work evaluation: Enhancing what we do (3rd ed.) Oxford University Press.

 

· Chapter 6, “Needs Assessments” (pp. 115–143)

 

Plummer, S.-B., Makris, S., & Brocksen S. (Eds.). (2014a). Sessions: Case histories. Baltimore, MD: Laureate International Universities Publishing. [Vital Source e-reader].

 

Read the following section:

 

· “The Petrakis Family”

 

Document: Randolph, K. A. (2010). Logic models. In B. Thyer (Ed.), The handbook of social work research methods (2nd ed., pp. 547–562). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. (PDF)

 

Copyright 2010 by Sage Publications, Inc. Reprinted by permission of Sage Publications, Inc. via the Copyright Clearance Center.

 

United Way of America. (1996). Excerpts from Measuring program outcomes: A practical approach. Retrieved from http://web.archive.org/web/20130514153340/http://www.unitedwayslo.org/ComImpacFund/10/Excerpts_Outcomes.pdf

 

Document: Week 7: Developing A Logic Model Outline Assignment Handout (Word document)

 

Optional Resources

 

Donorfio, L. K. M., Vetter, R., & Vracevic, M. (2010). Effects of three caregiver interventions: Support, educational literature, and creative movement. Journal of Women & Aging, 22(1), 61–75

 

Note: Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

 

Larsen, M., Tax, C., & Botuck, S. (2009). Standardizing practice at a victim services organization: A case analysis illustrating the role of evaluation. Administration in Social Work, 33(4), 439–449.

 

Note: Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

 

Assignment: Outlining a Logic Model

 

A logic model is a tool that can be used in planning a program. Using a logic model, social workers can systematically analyze a proposed new program and how the various elements involved in a program relate to each other. At the program level, social workers consider the range of problems and needs that members of a particular population present. Furthermore, at the program level, the logic model establishes the connection between the resources needed for the program, the planned interventions, the anticipated outcomes, and ways of measuring success. The logic model provides a clear picture of the program for all stakeholders involved.

 

To prepare for this Assignment, review the case study of the Petrakis family, located in this week’s resources. Conduct research to locate information on an evidence-based program for caregivers like Helen Petrakis that will help you understand her needs as someone who is a caregiver for multiple generations of her family. You can use the NREPP registry. Use this information to generate two logic models for a support group that might help Helen manage her stress and anxiety.

 

First, consider the practice level. Focus on Helen’s needs and interventions that would address those needs and lead to improved outcomes. Then consider the support group on a new program level. Think about the resources that would be required to implement such a program (inputs) and about how you can measure the outcomes.

 

Provide and Submit the following:

 

· A completed practice-level logic model outline (table) from the Week 7 Assignment handout

 

· A completed program logic model outline (table) in the Week 7 Assignment Handout

 

· 4 paragraphs that elaborate on your practice-level logic model outline. Describe the activities that would take place in the support group sessions that would address needs and lead to improved outcomes

 

· 4 paragraphs that elaborate on your program-level logic model and address the following:

 

· Decisions that would need to be made about characteristics of group membership

 

· Group activities

 

· Short- and long-term outcomes

 

· Ways to measure the outcomes

 

Must contain at least 3 references and citations sourced only from this weeks Required Readings.

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