M12 - SW864 Podcast - Policy Analysis Actualized - Dr. ER speaks with Vestena Robbins
Nov 29, 2020
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Dr. Laura Escobar-Ratliff speaks with Vestena Robbins about the importance of evidence-based policy, the challenge of aligning stakeholders in policy analysis, and the different evaluation approaches in policy analysis. They also discuss concerns about school resource officers and recent policy changes requiring them to carry firearms.
Evaluating policies throughout the entire process, from content to implementation to impact, allows for a deeper understanding of their merit, worth, and utility.
The lack of dedicated resources for policy evaluation poses a challenge to conducting comprehensive assessments and optimizing policy design, implementation, and outcomes.
Deep dives
The Importance of Policy Evaluation
Policy evaluation is crucial for understanding the impact and effectiveness of policies. Evaluating policies throughout the entire process, from content to implementation to impact, allows for a deeper understanding of their merit, worth, and utility. It is important to rely on evidence, research, and empirical data when evaluating policies, as well as considering anecdotal evidence. Policy evaluation should also take into account the complex interplay of factors, such as social determinants of health, to ensure policies are inclusive, equitable, and effective for marginalized groups. However, there is often a lack of dedicated resources for policy evaluation, making it a challenge to conduct comprehensive evaluations. Therefore, the recognition of the need for increased focus on evaluating policies to reduce inequities, improve outcomes, and address unintended consequences is a positive development.
Navigating Different Agendas and Visions for the State
Navigating different agendas and visions for the state can be challenging but important for policy evaluation. It is essential to maintain objectivity and rely on evidence when evaluating policies, even when personal opinions may differ. Building relationships and engaging in ongoing dialogue with stakeholders can help find common ground and work towards shared goals. Evaluating policies at each stage, from problem identification to implementation to impact, is crucial for understanding their effectiveness and addressing potential unintended consequences. Ensuring dedicated resources for policy evaluation is necessary to overcome challenges and promote effective policy development and implementation.
Strategies for Evaluating Policy Impact on Social Indicators for Marginalized Groups
Evaluating policy impact on social indicators for marginalized groups requires employing strategies that take into account the complexity of factors affecting health outcomes. Policies addressing social determinants of health, such as access to healthcare, transportation, employment opportunities, and safe neighborhoods, impact marginalized groups differently. Employing targeted universalism may involve designing policies that address the unique needs of each group while working towards a universal goal of equity. Evaluating policies throughout the entire process, from content to implementation to impact, and relying on evidence and research can help identify disparities and assess the effectiveness of policy interventions. Increasing resources for policy evaluation is essential to gain a comprehensive understanding of their impact on marginalized groups and reduce inequities.
The Need for Evaluating Policies and Dedication of Resources
There is a need for a stronger focus on evaluating policies given the potential impact on people's lives and societal outcomes. Policies often lack dedicated resources for evaluation, which poses a challenge to conducting comprehensive assessments. Evaluating policies at each stage, including content, implementation, and impact, is crucial for understanding their effectiveness and addressing unintended outcomes. The lack of evaluation in policymaking can lead to missed opportunities to optimize policy design, implementation, and outcomes. Recognizing the importance of dedicating resources to policy evaluation can lead to more evidence-based policymaking and improved outcomes for individuals and communities.
