Evaluation
As Salinas prioritizes and implements some or all of the recommendations that emerged from the framework development process, undoubtedly, people will want to know, “What is working, and what is not?” The purpose of evaluation is to determine exactly that, as well as to identify additional actions that might improve community prevention efforts. While evaluation of comprehensive, norms-based initiatives such as the one described in this report can be difficult, there are a number of evaluative steps that should be taken in five specific areas that are outlined below.

However, it is first important to note that this violence prevention framework, which constitutes an environmental review of the community climate in Salinas is not, and was never intended to be, an evaluation of specific programs.

Further, evaluation continues to be a challenge in the violence prevention movement. Some organizations do not have the resources to conduct effective evaluations and requiring every organization to produce its own “attempt” at evaluation would be a misuse of vital funds. In addition, the national state of the art in evaluation has been more impressive in regard to simple initiatives than with multi-faceted approaches. To date, most evaluation methods have tended toward linear and quantitative models, measuring programs or initiatives in isolation, and measuring only certain outcomes. Such evaluations are generally inadequate for assessing the complex interaction of community systems, thereby accurately reflecting the true impact of a long term, strategic approach.

In violence prevention, much of what does and does not work can best be seen through a qualitative lens. For example, the results of new partnerships, the value that a program has in a specific community, and the synergistic effect of multiple initiatives working in tandem are often missed by quantitative measures. Certain actions may not have immediate impact, but importantly, may lay the foundation for future efforts to be successful.

The wisdom of the practitioner often goes uncaptured by formal evaluations, though many observers of the field believe this is one area where a tremendous amount of knowledge and experience must be tapped. In Salinas, the expertise of involved community representatives and government leaders offers important lessons for the violence prevention effort.

Evaluation must consider a broad range of outcomes and processes to respond to the breadth of issues addressed by this framework and to serve as a basis for future violence prevention planning in the City.
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