SSB - Formative for Program Support GenIC: RHYTTAC National Needs Assessment

Runaway and Homeless Youth Training and Technical Assistance Center (RHYTTAC) National Needs Assessment

Formative Data Collections for Program Support

0970 – 0531

Supporting Statement

Part B – Statistical Methods

June 2021

Submitted by:

Family and Youth Services Bureau

Administration for Children and Families

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

3rd Floor, Mary E. Switzer Building

330 C Street, SW

Washington, D.C. 20201

Project Officers:

Tyanna Williams

Sanzanna Dean

B1. Respondent Universe and Sampling Methods

All 360 Family and Youth Services Bureau (FYSB) Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY) grantees will receive the National Needs Assessment survey. We ask that each organization complete only one survey that represents the needs of their FYSB-funded RHY program(s).

B2. Procedures for Collection of Information

The survey is administered via REDCap, a secure web platform for building and managing online surveys. Grantees will receive an email about the survey, with a link to the survey that will take them directly to the first page of the survey. Respondents answer survey questions and submit the survey directly in REDCap. This information is received and analyzed by RHYTTAC.

B3. Methods to Maximize Response Rates and Deal with Nonresponse

Site Responses

We anticipate roughly two-thirds of the 360 grantee organizations to respond, or roughly 240 responses. We anticipate grantees will want to respond as the feedback they provide will allow for more targeted TA to meet their needs and benefit their programs and the young people they serve.

Dealing with Nonresponse

Up to two reminders will be sent via email communication encouraging completion of the national needs assessment. As participants will not be randomly sampled and findings are not intended to be representative, non-response bias will not be calculated.

Maximizing Responses

We have created a communications plan to maximize participation. We will create and share a video with grantees about the survey that provides guidance on completing the survey. Within the first week of the survey launch, we will host an online “office hour” for grantees to ask any questions they may have about the survey or in completing the survey. We will provide contact information for a Chapin Hall researcher to address any questions that may arise. Additionally, we plan one or two reminder emails to encourage completion.

Finally, the RHY Regional Grantee Training occurred in May 2021. The training event provided an opportunity for FYSB and RHYTTAC staff to alert participants about an upcoming survey and encourage completion.

B4. Tests of Procedures or Methods to be Undertaken

All data collected on the survey are binary or categorical, so we will conduct univariate and bivariate descriptive analyses using frequency distributions and cross-tabulations. We will also test for significant differences using Chi-square tests. For open text questions in the survey, we will conduct thematic qualitative analysis to identify common topics, ideas, and patterns of meaning that emerge from participants’ responses.

B5. Individual(s) Consulted on Statistical Aspects and Individuals Collecting and/or Analyzing Data

Researchers at Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago are leading the data collection and analysis efforts. This includes the following individuals:

Research Fellow Matthew Morton

Researcher Melissa Kull

Researcher Colleen Schlecht

Associate Researcher Angela Garza

4