An evaluative study of the Kozmetsky Center for child protection in Austin, Texas. (Master’s Thesis
Date
2009
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Publisher
Texas State University Department of Public Administration
Abstract
Research Purpose: As more organizations establish child advocacy centers, there needs to be an effective tool to measure their administrative adherence to national goals and objectives. The purpose of this research is threefold. The first purpose is to describe the ideal characteristics of a child advocacy center by examining existing literature and the nine objectives of the National Child Advocacy Center (CAC) Model. The second purpose is to use these components as a guide to evaluate the administrative operations of the Kozmetsky Center for Child Protection. Finally, this project utilizes the research results to provide recommendations for improving administrative operations at the Center for Child Protection. Methodology: An examination of the National CAC Model objectives and relevant literature reveals five primary categories of the CAC assessment model. The categories include multidisciplinary teams, case management, forensic interviews, health services, and child-friendly facilities. The components are used to assess the administrative practices and adherence to the National CAC standards. The case study research utilized document analysis, structured interviews, and direct observation. Results: The results of the case study show that the Kozmetsky Center for Child Protection meets all the rated criteria in the forensic interview category. It exceeds the criteria in the child-friendly facility and health services categories. However, the multidisciplinary team and case management categories demonstrated room for improvement. (Author abstract)
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Keywords
children's advocacy centers, mdt model, evaluation research
Citation
Campbell, A. K. (2009). An evaluative study of the Kozmetsky Center for child protection in Austin, Texas. (Master’s Thesis). San Marcos, TX: Texas State University Department of Public Administration. 114 p.