UVM Theses and Dissertations
Format:
Print
Author:
Glesner, Talia J.
Dept./Program:
College of Education and Social Services
Year:
2014
Degree:
Ed. D.
Abstract:
This research study employs qualitative methods and Bronfenbrenner's ecological perspective to describe how families may be affected by maternal incarceration and by a program designed to support them.
The study provides information about how an ecological perspective guides exploration of the ways in which a program is promoting development and well-being of its participants. The impact of incarceration ripples far beyond the lives of the inmates, and extend to their families and the larger community. Programs for incarcerated parents and their families, as well as the evaluations of those programs have not fully accounted for such complexity. The use of the ecological perspective embraces complexity and context.
Qualitative data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with current program staff, community partners, and caregivers to the children of the incarcerated mothers. Program documents were collected as well. Documents and interviews were analyzed through the ecological lens provided by Bronfenbrenner's framework.
Data illustrated the program's efforts to address the problems that can be described through elements of the ecological perspective, and conditions that promote development. Elements emerged that enabled evaluation of program strategies and outcomes. This study remains small in scope and exploratory in nature; a formative exploration into a new evaluative process.
Implications of the work indicate that the ecological perspective can be useful in developing and implementing evaluations in alignment with the missions of programs. Practical implications indicate the active involvement of stakeholders in evaluation development and strengthening the ecosystem. Recommendations for practice and further study are outlined.
The study provides information about how an ecological perspective guides exploration of the ways in which a program is promoting development and well-being of its participants. The impact of incarceration ripples far beyond the lives of the inmates, and extend to their families and the larger community. Programs for incarcerated parents and their families, as well as the evaluations of those programs have not fully accounted for such complexity. The use of the ecological perspective embraces complexity and context.
Qualitative data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with current program staff, community partners, and caregivers to the children of the incarcerated mothers. Program documents were collected as well. Documents and interviews were analyzed through the ecological lens provided by Bronfenbrenner's framework.
Data illustrated the program's efforts to address the problems that can be described through elements of the ecological perspective, and conditions that promote development. Elements emerged that enabled evaluation of program strategies and outcomes. This study remains small in scope and exploratory in nature; a formative exploration into a new evaluative process.
Implications of the work indicate that the ecological perspective can be useful in developing and implementing evaluations in alignment with the missions of programs. Practical implications indicate the active involvement of stakeholders in evaluation development and strengthening the ecosystem. Recommendations for practice and further study are outlined.