BUILDING EVALUATION PARTNERSHIPS WITH TRIBAL COMMUNITIES FOR HOME VISITING

Area of Science:

• Community-based participatory research
• Program evaluation
• Tribal health and wellness

Background:

• Effective program evaluation in tribal settings requires understanding unique community dynamics.
• Building trust and capacity between external evaluators and tribal communities is crucial for successful partnerships.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the roles and relationships of evaluators working within tribal communities.
• To describe a participatory community research model for assessing evaluator-tribal partnerships.
• To identify successes and challenges in program-evaluation partnerships from tribal leaders' perspectives.

Main Methods:

• Descriptive study utilizing a participatory community research model.
• Survey administered to leaders of tribal Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting programs.

Main Results:

• Successful partnerships depend on evaluator cultural understanding, respect for tribal ways, and transparency.
• Key challenges include conflict, limited resources, and differing expectations, necessitating strong, trusting relationships.
• A strength-based approach, balanced with acknowledging challenges, is vital for effective evaluation.

Conclusions:

• Participatory research models with capacity-building are essential for successful evaluator-tribal partnerships.
• Mutual trust, cultural humility, and collaborative approaches enhance program evaluation outcomes in tribal contexts.
• Addressing challenges proactively through strong relationships is critical for sustained program success.