Collaboration

All of the programs incorporated some form of collaborative process. Participants noted that having a voice in establishing program rules, regulations, and workshop activities and having frequent opportunities to produce and exhibit their art were factors that helped them engage in the program. Program staff recognized the need for improved collaboration among program partners (e.g., school district, juvenile justice agency, art agency) and the importance of identifying the roles and responsibilities of each partner. Lack of "buy in" and understanding of the program and the evaluation from the beginning resulted in unexpected complications (e.g., lack of access to data, difficulty accessing facilities, overextension of staff). Additionally, program staff believed that the partnership needed to be broadened to include other youth-serving agencies. They quickly learned that many of the youth they were serving had problems beyond the scope of the arts program and that any impact the program may have had on improving behavior was reduced by other circumstances that affected the lives of the participants. Widening the circle of collaborative partners would have improved the program's ability to refer youth and their families to other services in the community.