On-line Tutorial
Theories of Change Logic Models for Systems of Care

Stakeholders engaged in systems of care development can benefit from a theory-based approach to planning and implementation because this approach helps make explicit the links between the ideas concerning service strategies that are believed to work best and the manner in which these ideas are implemented. Additionally, theory-based approaches promote the use of a planning process grounded in information about the local populations to be served. In this way, planning is carried out in response to the identified strengths and needs of populations within the context of the characteristics of the community in which they live, rather than being driven by the implementation of service models that have no link to local needs and strengths.

This section provides tools to assist your community in undertanding the history and role of logic model initiation. Here you will find presentations, key resources and literature to help you turn your ideas (and dreams) about systems of care into tangible action-oriented strategies for achieving your goals.

Crafting Logic Models Resources

For more detailed information on a Theory of Change Approach, refer to the monograph on Crafting Logic Models for Systems of Care: Ideas Into Action (En Espanol) written by Mario Hernandez and Sharon Hodges. The theory of change approach described in the monograph is intended to help communities that are developing a system of care to:

• Improve their communication both internally and externally
• Organize their work cohesively
• Track their progress
• Improve their use of strategic planning and internal evaluation, and
• Effectively identify technical assistance needs

Logic Model Recommended Readings

Theories of Change. Making Programs Accountable and Making Sense of Program Accountability

Aronson, S., Mutchler, S., & Pan, D. (1998). Theories of Change. Making Programs Accountable and Making Sense of Program Accountability. Southwest Educational Development Laboratory.

New Approaches to Evaluating Community Initiatives: Concepts, Methods and Contexts

Connell, A.C., Kubisch, L.B., Schorr & C.H. Weiss (eds.) (1992). New Approaches to Evaluating Community Initiatives: Concepts, Methods and Contexts. Washington, DC: The Aspen Institute.

Applying a theory of change approach to interagency planning in child mental health

Hernandez, M. & Hodges, S. (2006) Applying a theory of change approach to interagency planning in child mental health. American Journal of Community Psychology, 38(3) 165-173

Building upon theory of change for systems of care

Hernandez, M., & Hodges, S. (2003). Building upon theory of change for systems of care. Journal of Emotional and Behavioral Disorders 11(1), 19-26.

Creating change and keeping it real: How excellent child-serving organizations carry out their goals

Hodges, S., Hernandez, M., Nesman, T., & Lipien, L. (2002). Creating change and keeping it real: How excellent child-serving organizations carry out their goals. Tampa, Florida: University of South Florida, Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute, Department of Child and Family Studies, The Research and Training Center for Children's Mental Health.

Developing Outcome Strategies in Children's Mental Health

Hernandez, M. & Hodges, S. (2001) Theory-based Accountability. In M. Hernandez and S. Hodges (Eds.) Developing Outcome Strategies in Children's Mental Health. Baltimore, MD: Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co., Inc.

Using Logic Models and Program Theory to Build Outcome Accountability

Hernandez, M. (2000). Using Logic Models and Program Theory to Build Outcome Accountability. Education and Treatment of Children 23(1).

The Ecology of Outcomes: System Accountability in Children's Mental Health

Hernandez, M., Hodges, S., & Cascardi, M. (1998). The Ecology of Outcomes: System Accountability in Children's Mental Health. The Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research, 25(2).

How Organizational Culture Influences Outcome Information Utilization

Hodges, S. & Hernandez, M. (1998). How Organizational Culture Influences Outcome Information Utilization. Evaluation and Program Planning, 22 (1999) 183-197.

The Utilization of the Logic Model As A System Level Planning and Evaluation Device

Julian, David A. (1997). The Utilization of the Logic Model As A System Level Planning and Evaluation Device. Evaluation and Planning, 20 (3), pp. 251-257.

Open Systems Evaluation and the Logic Model: Program Planning and Evaluation Tools

Julian, D.A., Jones, A., & Deyo, D. (1995). Open Systems Evaluation and the Logic Model: Program Planning and Evaluation Tools. Evaluation and Program Planning, 18 (4), 333-341.

Utilization-Focused Evaluation

Patton, M.Q. (1997). Utilization-Focused Evaluation (3rd Edition). Thousand Oaks, CA Sage Publications.

Building systems of care: A primer

Pires, S. A. (2002).Building systems of care: A primer. Washington DC: National Technical Assistance Center for Children's Mental Health.

Program Specification: A Precursor to Program Monitoring and Quality Improvement. A Case Study From Boysville of Michigan

Savas, S.A, Fleming, W., & Bolig, E. (1998, May). Program Specification: A Precursor to Program Monitoring and Quality Improvement. A Case Study From Boysville of Michigan, The Journal of Behavioral Services & Research, 25 (2), pp. 208-216.

How to Focus an Evaluation

Stecher, B. M., & Davis, W. A. (1987). How to Focus an Evaluation. Newbury Park, CA: Sage Press.

Systems of care for children and adolescents with severe emotional disturbances: what are the results?

Stroul, B. (1993). Systems of care for children and adolescents with severe emotional disturbances: what are the results? Washington, DC: Georgetown University Child Development Center.

A system of care for emotionally disturbed children and youth

Stroul, B. A. & Friedman, R. M. (1986). A system of care for emotionally disturbed children and youth. Washington, DC: CASSP Technical Assistance Center. United Way of America (1996). Measuring Program Outcomes: A Practical Approach.

Handbook of Practical Program Evaluation

Wholey, J. S., Hatry, H. P. & Newcome, K. E. (eds.) (1994). Handbook of Practical Program Evaluation. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass Inc.