Laying the Groundwork for Evaluation: A Formative Assessment of the Montgomery County (MD) Family Justice Center

• In Event: Strategies and Challenges in Providing Support to Victims

Abstract

Intimate-Partner Violence (IPV)—physical, sexual, economic, and psychological harm by a current or former partner—has lasting impacts on survivors and children. Preliminary evidence suggests Family Justice Centers (FJCs) improve IPV-related outcomes, including service access, but no rigorous evaluation exists. This gap is due to notable challenges in community-based evaluation research and the lack of a standardized FJC best practice model. This project aims to lay the groundwork for a rigorous evaluation of the Montgomery County (MD) FJC (MCFJC). This presentation shares findings from a formative evaluation and evaluability assessment to define the MCFJC service model and provide a blueprint for future evaluation.

Authors

• Stephen Gies, Development Services Group

• Leila Woods, The University of Texas Health

• Amanda Bobnis, Development Services Group

• Tom Manion, Montgomery County (MD) Family Justice Center with the Sheriff’s Office

• Smita Varia, Montgomery County (MD) Family Justice Center with the Sheriff’s Office