Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative—Evaluation Consulting Services

Mathematica will conduct a mixed-methods evaluation of CYBHI to measure its impact and inform change. The evaluation will include the following:

• A systems-change evaluation to understand multisystem infrastructure, practices, and silos as well as the structural, relational, and mindset changes needed to transform the behavioral health ecosystem
• A policy evaluation to assess policy implementation and the impact of policy on outcomes
• A program evaluation to assess outcomes and near-term indicators of population health and well-being, including CYBHI workstream progress
• Rapid-cycle evaluations designed to provide rapid feedback and data to promote continuous quality improvement

Mathematica’s evaluation approach will be grounded in equity and centered on the needs of youth. The project team will use culturally responsive and equitable evaluation practices and data equity—for example, integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion into all phases of the evaluation and ensuring the participation of people most affected by CYBHI. Throughout the effort, Mathematica will also actively engage communities served by CYBHI through focus groups, interviews, and listening sessions, ensuring the evaluation reflects the diverse experiences of children, youth, families, and providers at the core of the initiative. In keeping with CYBHI’s vision of collaborative ecosystem transformation, Mathematica will share its evaluation findings transparently through public reports, webinars, and a data dashboard.