The Adults and Aging Services Program has been funded by the California Department of Social Services to conduct follow up evaluation of the regional APS MSW Stipend Program pilot. This year-long mixed-methods, multi-stage program evaluation involves collecting and analyzing quantitative and qualitative data from MSW graduates, academic and field faculty, and agency field supervisors affiliated with the MSW programs at San Jose State University and UC Berkeley, as well as managers of county Adults and Aging Services agencies and APS programs. Inquiry focuses on identifying stakeholders’ perspectives on the strengths and weaknesses of the pilot project and the efficacy and success of various program components. It also investigates what changes to program format, content, and logistics stakeholders believe might improve experiences and outcomes. Findings from this work will be used to assess the impact of the pilot project, to identify best practices to address county-driven APS workforce development and MSW recruitment, training, and retention objectives, and to guide the implementation of the statewide APS MSW Training Program.
