Introduction
The present paper aims to analyze the Family Development Center program described by Fischer (2000). The program is assessed using the four principles of community psychology, which include problems addressed, values reflected in the program approach and methods, conceptual foundation of the program, and action and research tools (Nelson & Prilleltensky, 2010). The recommendations for improvement are provided after the analysis.
Program Description
The Family Development Center program was conducted from 1991-1995 in College Park, GA (Fischer, 2000). The program young unmarried homeless mothers (17-26 years of age) without a record of substance abuse and with a determination to benefit from the program. It was a two-year program that provided young mothers with the experience of living in an assisted-living facility and transitioning to self-sustained living. During the first year, the participants were provided with a place to live, where they could learn to cook, care for themselves and the baby, and support their living. The participants were also provided social and vocational services and supervised by a young couple. During the second year, the participants were no longer provided a place to live individually, while all the other benefits remained intact. The program was evaluated using quantitative and qualitative methods (surveys) (phone interviews).
Program Evaluation
The program aimed at addressing the problem of homelessness among young single-parent mothers (Fischer, 2000). In particular, the program aimed at working on the issue of their inability to support their living and care for their children due to homelessness. The program aimed to help mothers change their lifestyles and acquire stability in housing, emotional state, and financial support. The program utilized complex measures, which were meant to transform the lifestyles of the participants. Thus, the program reflects a holistic, transformative ecological model (Nelson, & Prilleltensky, 2010).
While the values of the program were not clearly identified, they were reflected in the program description implicitly. The core value promoted through the program is self-sufficiency. Additionally, the program promoted the values of stability in income, housing, and health. Thus, the values of the program addressed the personal well-being of the participants.
The primary weakness of the program is that it was not based on any conceptual or theoretical framework. Fischer (2000) states that Family Development Center was based on the experienced of similar programs in other states. However, a lack of including a theoretical model may lead to inconsistency in methods.
The methods were appropriate to achieve the goals of the program. In particular, the program provided enough time for the participants to recover from the hardships of living on the streets by providing stability in the transitional living facility. Additionally, social, vocational, and psychological support was provided to ensure that young mothers would be able to support their own living financially and emotionally. The research methods were also appropriate, as they incorporated both qualitative and quantitative assessments of the program. Program providers as well ass participants actively participated in the implementation of the program.
Conclusion and Recommendations for Improvement
Even though the program was well-planned, the evaluation demonstrated the limited effect of the program. The primary drawback was that the program was not based on any theory, which may have caused inconsistency in methods and values. Thus, it is recommended that an appropriate theoretical basis is used to re-evaluate the program and make necessary corrections. Additionally, the program values need to be explicitly stated to ensure that all the methods are aligned with both theory and values.
References
Fischer, R. L. (2000). Toward selfâsufficiency: Evaluating a transitional housing program for homeless families. Policy Studies Journal, 28(2), 402-420.
Nelson, G., & Prilleltensky, I. (2010). Community psychology: In pursuit of liberation and well-being (2nd ed.). Palgrave Macmillan.