The Local Answers Initiative Evaluation Report 2008: An Evaluation Conducted for Panthers on the Prowl

This report provides the results of an independent evaluation conducted on four specific programs which comprise the Local Answers Initiative undertaken by Panthers on the Prowl in the Greater Penrith Community area. The four programs are: the Family Skills Program; the Classroom Program; the Healthy Lifestyles Program; and the Teacher’s Aide Mentor Program. For each of the four programs, the evaluation addressed the following questions: 1. Who benefited from, or who was impacted by the program? 2. What changes were achieved or what lessons were learned for the group participating in the program? 3. What program activities worked well and why? 4. What could be done differently? Results from focus group and one-to-one interviews with NSWDET Area Directors, Principals, Teachers and Teacher’s Aides, Parents, Project Manager/Officer, and students are supportive of the Local Answers Initiative, with a strong recommendation for the continuation of each of the four programs comprising the Local Answers Initiative. There is clear support for the value of the Local Answers Initiative from all of the stakeholders involved. Participants were positive on the operation of the programs and the benefits of the programs at an individual and community level.