Browsing by Subject "mixed-methods approach"

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    Addressing Barriers to Extended Foster Care
    (2023) Luna, Christina; Olinger, Emily; Weiner, Evelyn
    Fifteen years ago, federal legislation was passed which provided states with the option of allowing eligible individuals to remain in foster care beyond age 18, paving the way for Minnesota to establish its Extended Foster Care program in 2011. Through this program participants receive monthly stipends and case management support. Research indicates lasting positive effects for participants, as time spent in EFC is associated with positive outcomes such as decreased instances of homelessness and involvement in the criminal justice system. Still, little has been known about the utilization of the program in Minnesota. Our team sought to fill this gap in research by investigating the current utilization rate and factors that affect participation. To do so, we utilized a mixed-methods approach which included interviews with systems actors, summary statistics of program data, and a review of program documents. Through this process, our team identified key strengths, weaknesses, and barriers present in Minnesota’s. Ultimately, we propose recommendations related to data and evaluation, service delivery, program design, and investment in resources to remove barriers and increase participation.
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    Gun Violence Prevention in Hennepin County
    (2023) Concepcion, Kya; McGee, Sean; Pults, Ben; Wahlberg, Maia
    Through Hennepin County’s newly created Safe Communities Division, the County partnered with a team of graduate researchers from the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School of Public Affairs to better understand gun violence within the County, as well as strengthening gun violence prevention and intervention work. Our team’s research consists of an extensive literature review that details root causes of gun violence along with current gun violence prevention and intervention methods across the country. The research incorporates a mixed-methods approach of quantitative data to identify disproportionately affected areas of gun violence in the County, as well as qualitative data vis-à-vis interviews with community leaders, nonprofit representatives, local government officials, and law enforcement officers. These data work in tandem to improve the Safe Communities Division’s work by aligning its resources with highly successful and innovative strategies. The findings suggest that the County could support several effective solutions based on the qualitative data: leverage partnerships with community partners, convene community organizations, diversify funding strategy, and build capacity.