Aims
The goal of the Regional Networks on Early Prevention is to support families expecting a child or with young children in crisis situations. The Regional Networks on Early Prevention try to build upon existing provisions of the health system and the child/youth welfare sector. Experts (“Familienbegleitung”) support families and make sure that they get all the support and information needed. A network manager takes care of establishing and supporting the various forms of cooperation in the network.
Since 2015, Regional Networks on Early Prevention are being established and further developed in all regions. The networks are based on a basic Austrian concept. At the end of 2018, 26 Regional Networks on Early Prevention will be established, encompassing more than 60 districts. The evaluation that has been carried out between 2015 and 2017 shows that supraregional, i.e. nationwide quality standards should be defined and implemented. In the current project phase, the evaluation focuses on the quality standards for Regional Networks on Early Prevention to be developed by the National Centre on Early Prevention in close cooperation with the regional programme coordinators.
Evaluation approach
The evaluation concept focuses on the decision-making process around the quality standards, the implementation of the standards at the regional level and the cooperation between the National Centre on Early Prevention and the Regional Networks. The systemic evaluation approach takes into consideration the development process, the implementation and the effects taking into account specific context factors. Qualitative and quantitative methods are applied (“mixed-method approach”). The longitudinal research design with three evaluation cycles allows for the traceability of changes and a reflective approach that makes it possible to react upon new insights, developments and requirements.