110 - Leveraging Existing Data Sources to Amplify Underrepresented Voices and Promote Equity in Program Evaluation

Abstract
This multi-paper session explores how repurposing existing data sources can yield insights into improving the equitable reach and impact of programs and services, moving through a continuum of engagement with underrepresented communities. Leveraging administrative records, census data, and programmatic information, the papers describe how existing data were used to identify and address the needs of underserved or overlooked program participant subgroups at various stages of their journey. Paper one focuses on clients who may never have been actively sought but could benefit from services; paper two focuses on individuals referred but not enrolled in services; and paper three focuses on individuals enrolled but who may require tailored interventions to fully benefit. Each paper offers a unique vantage point on amplifying voices, demonstrating how thoughtful analyses of readily available data can illuminate potential disparities and facilitate targeted improvements. Together, the papers underscore the importance of broadening outreach efforts and enhancing service delivery to advance equity across the spectrum of engagement.
Paper 1: Using Census Data to Assess Representativeness in WIC Participation
This paper examines the use of census data to assess and address representativeness in a Women Infants and Children (WIC) program participation. By comparing program demographic data with broader census information, the study identifies potential gaps in outreach, highlighting demographic subgroups that may have been overlooked. The approach aligns with the conference theme of amplifying and empowering underrepresented voices in evaluation, emphasizing the importance of inclusive practices in identifying and engaging all eligible participants.
Paper 2: Using Administrative Records and Case Notes of Non-enrollees to Improve Enrollment Rates
This paper will focus on how evaluators made use of data collected on youth who did not enroll in a wraparound care coordination program to determine whether there were any explanations or contextual factors that shed light on their non-enrollment to inform strategies to increase enrollment. We will describe how to set up an enrollment process and data collection mechanisms whereby consent and data are collected before a client decides to begin services. By focusing on a rarely studied population due to consent and data collection gaps, our evaluation illuminated an often-overlooked subgroup, amplified the voice of the unenrolled, and informed strategies to promote more equitable outreach efforts.
Paper 3: Using Program Data to Tailor Services to Home Visiting Program Enrollees Subgroups
Paper three will explore using data on mothers of infants enrolled in a home visiting program to identify whether certain groups benefited more from engagement in conversations about breastfeeding. Analyses revealed these conversations were more successful with native-born American mothers, leading to a reduction in the disparity of breastfeeding rates in native-born American mothers compared to foreign-born mothers, pointing to potential shifts in how and with whom providers conduct conversations with enrollees. The analyses described in this paper highlight the creative use of program data to identify opportunities to tailor services to specific program subgroups.