How Do You Evaluate a Network?

A Canadian Child and Youth Health Network Experience

Authors

  • Janice K. Popp Southern Alberta Child and Youth Health Network, Calgary, Alberta
  • Laura N. L’Heureux Southern Alberta Child and Youth Health Network, Calgary, Alberta
  • Carly M. Dolinski Calgary Health Region, Calgary, Alberta
  • Carol E. Adair University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta
  • Suzanne C. Tough Calgary Health Region, Calgary, Alberta
  • Ann L. Casebeer University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta
  • Kathleen L. Douglas-England Calgary Health Region, Calgary, Alberta
  • Catherine C. Morrison Southern Alberta Child and Youth Health Network, Calgary, Alberta

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3138/cjpe.0020.008

Abstract

Over the past decade, approximately 20 child and youth health networks have been initiated in Canada. The value of any network depends on its effectiveness in achieving stated goals; however, description and measurement of network effectiveness is challenging, given the complex multi-sectoral and/or multidisci-plinary relationships involved and the relative dearth of evaluation methods specific to networks. Since its inception in 2001, the Southern Alberta Child and Youth Health Network (SACYHN) has reviewed the network evaluation literature and developed and implemented an evaluation framework. This article describes key findings from the literature on networks and their evaluation, and the experience and learning from network evaluation activities conducted by SACYHN. These may inform evaluation efforts in other networks or similar inter-organizational initiatives.

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Published

2006-01-21

How to Cite

Popp, J. K., L’Heureux, L. N., Dolinski, C. M., Adair, C. E., Tough, S. C., Casebeer, A. L., … Morrison, C. C. (2006). How Do You Evaluate a Network? : A Canadian Child and Youth Health Network Experience. Canadian Journal of Program Evaluation, 20(3), 123–150. https://doi.org/10.3138/cjpe.0020.008

Issue

Vol. 20 No. 3 (2006): Special Issue

Section

Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2006 Janice K. Popp, Laura N. L’Heureux, Carly M. Dolinski, Carol E. Adair, Suzanne C. Tough, Ann L. Casebeer, Kathleen L. Douglas-England, Catherine C. Morrison

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