There’s increased desire for public agencies to include client voices in developing programs, yet most agencies lack infrastructure to do so. We’ll showcase how Santa Clara County Social Services Agency was able to create a paid internship program for CalWORKs, CalFresh, and Foster Youth that includes participants informing program planning and evaluation. Presenters will discuss program creation, structure, and challenges encountered when developing the program and engaging clients in planning and evaluation. The session will highlight the successful partnership between Employment Services Operations and Research & Evaluation, offering recommendations for developing similar programs—and including clients in the process.

Dr. Sofia Gomez – Senior Research and Evaluation Specialist, Santa Clara County Social Services Agency

Liza Giron-Espinoza – Social Services Program Manager, Santa Clara County Social Services Agency