THE CIRCLES OF CARE EVALUATION: DOING PARTICIPATORY EVALUATION WITH AMERICAN INDIAN AND ALASKA NATIVE COMMUNITIES

Abstract: Little information exists regarding mental health and special needs related to American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) families. In this article we emphasize the use of oral tradition during the Circles of Care initiative, which was essential in understanding cultural history and historical trauma of AI/ANs while giving a greater understanding of an AI/AN-based definition of serious emotional disturbance. The success of these methods serves as a template for improving systems of care and may be useful in evaluation among a wide range of ethnic communities

The evaluation life cycle: A retrospective assessment of stages and phases of the Circles of Care initiative

Abstract: A life cycle metaphor characterizes the evolving relationship between the evaluator and program staff. This framework suggests that common developmental dynamics occur in roughly the same order across groups and settings