NCJ Number
193889
Date Published
2002
Length
55 pages
Annotation
This toolkit is designed to provide ideas and linkages to other resources that will enable demonstration sites to build on their success and sustain effective efforts beyond the life of the grant.
Abstract
The kit first discusses the meaning and importance of "sustainability" for a demonstration project. It advises that "sustainability" results in the institutionalization of a program, as it systematically continues as part of an overall service system to expand and intensify services to citizens. In discussing steps to build sustainability for a project, the kit advises that project staff and stakeholders should begin planning for sustainability from the day the project is funded, systematically identifying common goals and routinely measuring progress toward sustainability for all project activities. The kit provides instruction in who should participate in sustainability planning and implementation, followed by an outline of steps for building understanding and a common view of the long-term impact and structure for the program. Building the sustainability plan and promoting its acceptance are also discussed. A section on the benefits and challenges of sustainability focuses on fiscal strategies to build sustainability and the building of support for financial reform. The concluding section emphasizes the importance of using evaluation data to document the benefits of the demonstration project as the basis for its continuation as a permanent part of services for the community. 1 table and appended tools and instruments