Appendix I_Individual interviews and focus groups outreach materials

Outreach flyer

Do you want to share your experiences and opinions to help others?

Then we want to talk to you!

We are looking for volunteers to take part in a research study to learn about their experiences with [RPG project] and important experiences that led to their involvement with [RPG project]. Your thoughts and experiences will help [RPG project] and similar programs better support families with substance use issues and child welfare experiences.

O ption 1: Focus group

The focus group is a group conversation with people who are involved with [RPG project] to learn about their experiences in [RPG project] and how to improve services.

Length: 1.5 hours

Participants will receive: $50 gift card

When: [Month ##], [Year] at [Time]

O ption 2: In-depth interview

The in-depth interview is a one-on-one conversation between you and a Mathematica researcher. It is about important events, experiences and turning points that led up to your involvement with [RPG project]. You will also be asked about your experiences in [RPG project] and how to improve services.

Length: 2 hours

Participants will receive: $75 gift card

When: There are several times available, we can sign you up for a time that works well for you

To be eligible, you must:

• Be 18 years or older

• Be enrolled and actively participating in [RPG project] OR recently exited [RPG project]

• Currently have or had an open child welfare case as a parent

• Currently have or had a substance use issues

RPG CROSS-SITE EVALUATION: PARTICIPANT STUDY

Permission to Contact Form

What is the study and what am I being asked to do?

We are asking people to participate in a research study about the Regional Partnership Grant (RPG) program. Mathematica is conducting the study on behalf of the Children’s Bureau, which is part of the Administration for Children and Families within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Mathematica does not work for the [RPG project] or any government agency.

Each person will participate in one focus group OR one in-depth interview. Both activities will help [RPG project] and similar programs better support families with child welfare and substance use experiences.

• The focus group will include a group conversation with people who are involved with [RPG project] to learn more about their experiences in [RPG project] and how to improve services. The focus group will last about 1.5 hours and you will receive a $50 gift card for participating.

• The in-depth interview will be a one-on-one conversation between you and a Mathematica researcher about important experiences and turning points that led up to your involvement with [RPG project]. You will also be asked your experiences in [RPG project] and how to improve services. The interview will last up to 2 hours and you will receive a $75 gift card for participating.

Who is eligible to participate?

People who:

• Are 18 years or older; AND

• Are enrolled and actively participating in [RPG project] or recently exited [RPG project]; AND

• Currently or previously had an open child welfare case as a parent; AND

• Currently or previously experienced substance use issues.

How will my research information be kept private?

Your participation in this study is voluntary and the information is being collected for research purposes. Your responses will be the grouped with the responses of others and your name will not be used when a summary of what is learned in the study is reported. Your participation in the study and your responses will not affect the services you get here or anywhere else.

Why am I being asked to complete this form?

This form helps us sign people up for a focus group or interview. By signing this form I am aware that:

• This allows [RPG project] to send the contact information below to Mathematica so they can follow up with information about the focus group or interview.

• Mathematica will not share my contact information with anyone.

• I have a choice in whether or not to do the focus group or interview.

• I can ask questions about the focus group or interview at any time.

THE PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT OF 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13) Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 2 hours for an interview and 1.5 hours for a focus group, including the time for completing this form, reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and reviewing the collection of information. An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.

OMB Approval number: 0970-0527, Expiration Date: XX/XX/XXXX.

RPG CROSS-SITE EVALUATION: PARTICIPANT STUDY

Permission to Contact Form

**Please complete all items so we can contact you for reminders and to answer any questions you have**

Preferred Name: __________________________________________________ Date of birth: _______________ First Last

Telephone Number(s): Cell: ______________________ Work: ________________________

Other (specify): _______________________

Email Address: ______________________________________________________________________

Current mailing address: _______________________________________________________________

Preferred way to be reached: □ Phone call □ Text □ Email □ Mail

Alternate way to be reached:

Type of contact: □Family member / friend □ Caseworker/case manager □Other (specify): ____________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Name of contact person Phone Email

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Street Address Apt. # City Zip Code

This section completed by RPG project staff. By completing this section, you confirm that the person provided verbal consent to share this information.

RPG Project Name: __________________________________ Type of activity: □ Interview □ Focus group

Name of RPG Project staff completing form: _________________________________________ Date: _____________