Evaluation of Otorohanga Counselling (2002)
Abstract
An evaluation of Otorohanga Counselling Services was requested by the agency and commissioned by Trust Waikato. The aim of the evaluation was to gather information from all stakeholders of Otorohanga Counselling Services and provide the agency with information on how to enhance its services in the future. The evaluation objectives were: to assess the impact on the services at Otorohanga Counselling Services of having one ACC Counsellor; to explore ways to, improve functioning and raise the professional standard of operations within the agency, strengthen and improve services to Clients, promote the agency more effectively to the community, stakeholders and interested parties; and, to explore counselling options for Maori Clients.
Methodology
Questionnaires were developed for participants from six interested parties: current Clients (n=6); previous Clients (n=9); Counsellors (n=4); Management Committee (n=9); Service Providers (n=18); and Other Similar Counselling Agencies (n-4). Other Counselling Agency’s protocols were analysed and compared. Agency statistics and policies were also collected and analysed.
Conclusion
Findings
Evaluation findings indicate that Otorohanga Services has achieved positive outcomes:
- Most Clients (both current and previous) feel positive about the agency, the quality of counselling received, and their own personal outcomes.
- There is a high level of confidence held by Service Providers in the local area towards the services provided by the agency.
- The Management Committee has a broad range of skills and is considered by many to be effective and dedicated.
Findings also indicate that there is a need for the agency to: develop and enhance it’s ethical policies; support the training/supervision and professional development of office staff; enhance communication with staff and outside agencies/stakeholders; investigate options for incorporating a level of governance into its operation; be more proactive in meeting the needs of Maori Clients by further engaging Maori in its operation; and, to investigate options for supporting the accreditation of another Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) Counsellor.
The agency requested clear and direct recommendations to guide their future decision-making. Recommendations were very specific and were formulated for that purpose.