ABSTRACT
Completing the needs assessment lays the foundation to plan the intervention. The next step is to develop a clear statement of the issue to be addressed, based upon the findings in the needs assessment. Once there is agreement on the issue to be addressed the next step is to develop the intervention hypothesis. Throughout the process, it is essential to identify and interrogate assumptions participants are bringing into the planning process. This chapter identifies a number of possible assumptions that could impact the planning process and the impact sought by OurKids AfterSchool.
The theory of change is presented as a guide to creating a road map for the planning process. It is based upon the definition of the issue to be addressed and the impact sought, delineating where you plan to go and how to get there, and includes how progress is measured along the route. Finally, the theory of change is used to develop the logic model, which is the actual road map showing how the planned intervention will be implemented and what is hoped to be achieved.
