WRI can collect, analyze, and present the data you need, and help you transform learnings from that data into project goals. Our staff bring years of experience with various research methods and analysis software, such as SPSS and Dedoose. Our approach to data prioritizes hearing from those most impacted by your services, and finding ways to amplify that voice throughout your process. Our adaptable evaluation team can assist you wherever you are on your research journey. We can develop and implement collection tools such as surveys and focus groups, and interpret data from those tools. Or we can help you analyze data you’ve already collected, and present it in a user-friendly way.
Some of our work
School Mental Health Training Evaluation
School Mental Health Resource and Training Center Evaluation (2018 to Present), Mental Health Association in NYS (MHANYS)WRI has assisted MHANYS with a multi-phase evaluation project regarding school mental health and the implementation of New York’s mandate for inclusion of mental health instruction for all K-12 students. Our work has explored the usage of MHANYS’ School Mental Health Resource & Training Center, the effects of COVID-19 on student and teacher mental health, and needed supports for schools to successfully deliver mental health education.
Statewide Court System Implicit Bias Training Program
Statewide Court System Implicit Bias Training Program Needs Assessment and Evaluation (2020 to Present), Casey Family Programs, New York State Unified Court System (UCS), and State Justice InstituteWRI supports UCS’s goal of comprehensive, standardized training and resources to all court employees, to promote a justice system free from bias. Supported by grants from Casey Family Programs, the State Justice Institute, and the UCS Office for Justice Initiatives, WRI provided results of interviews with key stakeholders both in New York and around the country to inform the development of a statewide, mandatory training on implicit bias. Working with the Perception Institute, Casey, and UCS, WRI developed and analyzed a survey of all court employees to establish a baseline of knowledge and experience. As mandatory training is rolled out for court employees, WRI will conduct evaluations of the trainings to measure learnings, and assist in implementing follow-up sessions for various court roles.
Chafee Funding Outreach and Impact
Chafee Funding Outreach and Impact (2021 to 2023), New York State Office of Children and Families (OCFS) OCFS contracted with WRI to assess the impact of awards given to older youth in or formerly in foster care through a program funded by the federal John H. Chafee Foster Care program. WRI hired youth consultant interviewers who themselves had lived experience with foster care, and trained and supported them in trauma-informed approaches. Consultants contacted a random sample of applicants via phone and online surveys. Data received will assist the state in identifying how Chafee funds benefited youth and will help to identify areas of ongoing need and opportunities for support.
Impact of Victim of Crimes Act Grant
Victim of Crimes Act Grant Deliverables Evaluation (2020- Present), Court Appointed Special Advocates of NYS (CASANYS)WRI provides evaluation support to CASANYS in assessing the delivery and impact of their grant from the NYS Office of Victim Services through the federal Victims of Crime Act. WRI has also assisted CASANYS in creating a visual story of their data through publications and infographics.
