Blog
It is impossible to look back over the events of the past year and not viscerally feel the interconnectedness between ourselves, our families, our communities, and the rest of the world. The struggles of other countries, even other states, that once felt like distant concerns confined to the evening news now take on a different meaning. The pandemic and its economic devastation; the urgent cries for racial justice; the ever-increasing threat of wildfires, hurricanes, and other climate-change-driven disasters: these challenges belong to all of us.
In these shared challenges lies a reminder that all of our systems, be they government, nonprofit, or private sector, are also interconnected. Continue Reading
Shelter-in-place and social distancing mandates to limit the spread of COVID-19 have rapidly shifted telehealth from an underutilized health care option to an absolute necessity. The ability to provide and receive care from home limits the spread of the virus and the burden placed on emergency departments and urgent care centers. Health systems, care providers, insurers, and legislators are continuing to work to expand the accessibility, capacity, and affordability of telemedicine. Continue Reading
The 2020-2021 California State Budget will realign the Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ), transitioning responsibility to local jurisdictions for youth sentenced to DJJ facilities. While details of the realignment are still to be determined, this change represents a major shift in California’s juvenile justice system. Continue Reading
Thoughtful and intentional planning is at the heart of any successful project. So what happens when the way in which we work changes so drastically that we cannot recognize the possible path ahead? Like organizations across the world who are reacting and pivoting in response to COVID-19, RDA recognizes that flexibility and innovation have never been more critical and the importance and necessity of pushing work ahead even when it seems impossible to do so. By working with our partners to adapt and develop strategies to improve systems, collect quality data, and implement sustainable systems change, RDA is helping our clients focus on advancing critical work even in these very challenging times. Continue Reading
Although we are sharing this experience of a global public health crisis, our individual responses, both strategic and psychological, will vary greatly. It can be easy to forget that, during crisis and isolation, we aren’t all coming from the same place, we aren’t all going to react the same way, and some will handle it betters than others. Continue Reading
“Systems change” is an intentional process of transformation designed to address historic and complex root causes of social problems. Systems change aims to fundamentally alter the reasons a system behaves in certain ways. For true system transformation to occur, those involved in the system must feel that their experiences and perspectives are listened to, valued, and utilized to promote change. Continue Reading
California’s swift response to the COVID-19 Pandemic has so far “flattened the curve” in terms of the rate of infection. While the healthcare systems may have been spared from an overwhelming number of sick people to care for, the social and economic impacts of the resulting shutdowns and social distancing measures to our public safety-net systems are staggering. Continue Reading
The policy landscape is always evolving, presenting new challenges and opportunities to improve our public systems and the lives of the people they serve. We are building on our work from last year and are excited to be part of many new efforts and programs on the horizon. Here are some policies and legislation we think may have a big impact on our clients and the great work they do. Continue Reading
During 2018, many of our clients rolled up their sleeves to drive justice system policy and reform. Here is a look into our work with Los Angeles and Santa Cruz Counties to improve outcomes for justice-involved and justice-impacted people in their communities. Improving Outcomes for Justice-Impacted Youth in Los Angeles A Juvenile Justice Crime Prevention… Continue Reading
In 2018, many of our clients committed to increase opportunity for vulnerable populations through innovative education and workforce programs. Here is a look into our work with Los Angeles Unified School District and Contra Costa County to secure funding and collaborate to make these programs possible. Continue Reading
In 2018, many of our behavioral health agency clients took on the challenge to increase treatment access and quality among the most vulnerable and under-served members of their communities. Here is a look into work that helped position Contra Costa and Santa Clara Counties to accomplish their goals. Continue Reading
Organizational culture is the embodied values, principles, and practices underlying the social fabric of a business, agency, or any organization. Culture permeates our actions and connects stakeholders to each other and to the organization’s purpose, people, and processes. Positive and high functioning organizational cultures promote caring, inclusiveness, trust, and effective communication among all team members and stakeholders. Continue Reading
In 1996, I was fortunate to travel to the Czech Republic with a small group of professors and graduate students. We were guests of Charles University, which arranged for us to meet with a wide variety of NGOs and local government officials in our capacity as organizational development professionals. Only now do I begin to recognize the significance of what I was observing. Continue Reading
By Ardavan Davaran, Ph.D. Recidivism is considered by probation and parole systems to be the primary measure of their own effectiveness, as well as the effectiveness of reentry services, which can include services such as mental health, substance use, employment, education, and housing, among others. However, justice reform scholars and reformists Jeffrey A. Butts and… Continue Reading
By John Cervetto, M.S.W. In 2011, the passage of California Assembly Bill 114 realigned the responsibility of providing Education Related Mental Health Services from county mental health departments to Local Education Agencies. While this bill recognized the importance of local control of special education funds by school districts, the realignment of funds has resulted in… Continue Reading
I have always been fascinated with the parallels between understanding human beings and describing the complexity of organizations, and how like in people, we can foster healthy organizations through mindfulness. A mindful organization is one that adopts cultural norms that promote positive communication practices in groups, between individuals, and especially during times of conflict. Continue Reading
By Kevin Wu, M.P.H. California’s public mental health system (PMHS) is the largest in the Country, and its foundation is the PMHS workforce, which strives to provide high quality services that meet the needs of consumers. In 2016-17, the Office of Statewide Planning and Development (OSHPD) sought to better understand the future of PMHS workforce… Continue Reading
This morning’s Los Angeles Times featured an editorial underlining the importance of a recent report, released by RDA, that provides a thorough examination of the Los Angeles County Probation Department. The report, LA Probation Governance Study, which came before the County Board of Supervisors today, is the end result of RDA’s review and evaluation of the Probation Department’s organizational structure and the logistics of changing that structure. Continue Reading
In just over six weeks, leaders in justice research from across California will be in Oakland to discuss the latest criminal justice research and new evidence-based practices. On March 22 and 23, the Association for Criminal Justice Research – California (ACJRCA) will host its semi-annual Spring Conference, Research to Improve Justice Policy & Practice. Continue Reading
People who depend on public services often have to interact with multiple systems and many different people who work in those systems. When public systems work together effectively, there is an opportunity to leverage resources and help ensure better outcomes for individuals and families. Continue Reading
Government agencies must consistently manage limited resources and competing stakeholder priorities. Given the high levels of need and the reliance that so many have on public services, managing resources can often require tough decisions. How do public systems make these decisions ethically without exacerbating needs among certain populations? Continue Reading
We all know how hard it is for us human beings to change. Our brains are hardwired to experience change as a threat to which we automatically respond with a flight or fight response. So it should be no surprise that when we try and change the ways in which an organization operates, we often experience a negative reaction. Continue Reading
As a consulting firm that strives for improvement by promoting continuous learning with our clients, it is critical for us to walk the talk. Earlier this month, RDA had the opportunity to attend and present at the American Evaluation Association Annual Conference in Washington, D.C. Continue Reading
How we are able to communicate is often at the heart of how we can make change. For example, even the most thoroughly researched and well-documented recommendations for change do not implement themselves. People must implement change. Therefore, our work is to engage with people, including those that disagree with us. Continue Reading
Over the past five years, adult education in California has experienced renewed public investment. The Adult Education Block Grant (AEBG) has led to the creation of regional consortia, which have allowed adult education agencies to partner and organize programs and services in a way that meets the specific needs of the region. Continue Reading
Across the country, justice system agencies and partners have embraced data-driven tools that predict an individual’s likelihood of committing a crime. To successfully implement these risk assessments—and ensure that these tools do not increase racial disparities within the justice system—agencies must establish a host of new processes… Continue Reading
As a consulting firm committed to social justice, we spend each day working with our clients to best serve those in need. To further this commitment and to understand some of the hard work being done to support underserved populations, we dedicate a day out of our schedules to giving back to our community here in Oakland. Continue Reading
In June, Bob Bennett, RDA’s Founder and Chairman of the Board, died suddenly in a hit-and-run accident in Oakland. The past three months have been difficult, and Bob has never been far from our thoughts. This weekend is Bob’s memorial service and we wanted to use this space to share some memories about the type of person he was. Continue Reading
One of RDA’s core values is that we generate energy and enthusiasm as we encourage others by modeling the way. A core value is something that we are. It is not what we aspire to be. We live our core values in our work with our clients as well as our work and interactions with each other. Continue Reading
Recently, RDA completed a comprehensive evaluation of an innovative program that connects justice-involved youth to both legal and social services. The final report found that the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Client Assessment Recommendation and Evaluation (CARE) Project effectively reduces repeat contact with the juvenile justice system. Continue Reading
At a time when the number of people under probation supervision has grown to over 4 million people across the country, it is clear that many current practices need to change. A large body of research has demonstrated this need while recommending a shift toward rehabilitation and youth development with a focus on evidence-based practices and community-based services. Continue Reading
In July, a group of young adults presented their recommendations for improving access to mental health services in Marin County. The group discussed the mental needs of transition-aged youth (TAY) and the barriers experienced by members of this population when accessing services and supports. Continue Reading
On Friday, June 2, Robert Bennett, Resource Development Associates’ Founder and Chairman of the Board, died suddenly following a hit-and-run accident in Oakland. He founded Resource Development Associates as a vehicle for his vision to strengthen our public systems, though he had not been actively involved in the organization’s day-to-day operations since 2004. Since then,… Continue Reading
Expanded learning programs are in the news recently because they are the focus of severe cuts in the White House’s proposed budget. RDA has long been invested in supporting these programs. Through evaluation, we have found that these programs provide significant benefits to their communities and the children and families they serve. Continue Reading
Much of our work results in reports that recommend changes to public systems. If we do our work well, we achieve buy-in from our clients prior to issuing the report, which facilitates implementation of those recommendations.
In Los Angeles County, we are working with the Probation Department on a study that will help guide reforms. Continue Reading
Welcome to RDA’s new website! We hope you enjoy the new look. The site has been redesigned to help ease navigation and increase compatibility with all devices. We anticipate that the new site will be a dynamic platform for sharing our work. This is a pivotal time for government agencies, nonprofits, and foundations working to… Continue Reading
Research on workforce engagement demonstrates that there are 12 primary indicators used as measures of employee engagement. The first is “I know what is expected of me at work everyday.” Some may think that if an employee has a job description, has received adequate orientation, and has an assigned manager who provides supervision, this should be enough. This is not the case. Continue Reading
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) pledged funding to support enlarging and diversifying our country’s current health care workforce. For example, it contributed $11 billion towards creating 350 additional community health centers and $1.5 billion to the National Health Services Corps to support a professional loan repayment program for providers working in underserved rural counties or inner cities. Continue Reading
Research shows that access to and quality of health care services improves when the health care workforce reflects the racial, ethnic, economic, and cultural diversity of its patients. A diverse network of providers can better overcome language and cultural barriers that patients may experience when receiving health care services. Continue Reading
Our country’s health care workforce is experiencing a major shortage of providers who can serve individuals recently enrolled in the ACA’s health care reform insurance plans. Did you know that, by 2020, it is estimated that there will be a deficit of 45,000 primary care providers (PCPs)? Continue Reading
In a series of four posts, we will explore key issues raised by the Affordable Care Act pertaining to our need for more health care providers to serve the many new enrollees. What are your thoughts on what public health care agencies should do to address this growing demand? Next week, we explore how incentives… Continue Reading
By Patricia Marrone Bennett Research tells us that the best way to promote staff retention, higher productivity and employee satisfaction is to ensure that people are engaged in their work. Did you know that 70% of employee performance is directly related to the manager? Many managers are promoted into managerial positions having done the work… Continue Reading
By Patricia Marrone Bennett There is no doubt that there is increasing pressure to do more with less. Whether you manage a government department or a non-profit organization, the needs of those we serve typically outweigh available resources. Moreover, there is an increased demand for transparency requiring us to demonstrate that we are doing our… Continue Reading
By Patricia Marrone Bennett Last year, I posted a blog about entitled New Leadership in the Public Sector and the unique challenges facing public sector leaders, including: Increasing rates of retirement and the challenges and opportunities this creates Fast paced, major changes in state and federal policy and funding An emerging generation of new public… Continue Reading
Dear Friends, Happy New Year! I think that we can look forward to a lot of potential positive change in 2014: New hope for people coming back to our communities from prison as community correctional partnerships work to create systems of re-entry supports and services. Record level mental health funds in last year’s State budget… Continue Reading
By Patricia Marrone Bennett In 1982, I was the lobbyist for the Friends Committee on Legislation, a Quaker sponsored advocacy group. Jerry Brown was ending his first term as Governor. One of the most detrimental pieces of legislation that was passed at that time was the authorization of the construction of Tehachapi prison, the first… Continue Reading
By Patricia Marrone Bennett I am aware of the change that is occurring in government as heads of departments are reaching the age of retirement. I seem to receive more and more invitations to retirement parties for individuals who have served county or city government for many decades. I am mindful of the contributions that… Continue Reading
By Patricia Marrone Bennett and Roberta Chambers Last night, we had the privilege of attending a celebration for the restoration of mental health funding in the California state budget. For the first time in history, mental health funding was increased after decades of devastating cuts that have undermined the infrastructure and capacity of the public… Continue Reading
We are very pleased to have been chosen to present a paper entitled Improving System-level Outcomes through Shared Managerial Understanding – A Case Study of A Group Process Strategy. The paper describes how local government jurisdictions in the United States face revenue loss due to our economic recession, and are experiencing a loss of institutional… Continue Reading
RDA has been nominated for an Oakland Indie Award as a Social Changemaker! The Oakland Indie Awards is a One PacificCoast Foundation initiative, in partnership with East Bay Express, encouraging people to recognize the community, economic, environmental and political impacts of supporting locally owned businesses and local artists. For more information about the event, you… Continue Reading
By Patricia Marrone Bennett The Public Safety Realignment Act, known as AB 109 or “Realignment”, has given our local communities a chance to implement “the most significant change in criminal justice in California in more than three decades”.[1] California is requiring counties to oversee all non-violent, non-serious, non-sex offenders by either putting them on county-supervised… Continue Reading
By Patricia Marrone Bennett Last month, I had one of those wonderful opportunities to step outside of my day-to-day work life and refresh my brain by attending a workshop. The topic of discussion was the social impact of the global economy and the fracturing of immigrant families. I learned some alarming facts regarding the disposition… Continue Reading
