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Abstract
The purpose of this study was to assess staff and client perspectives on implementation of the Internet-based Journey Mapping evaluation tool. A drug court program setting was chosen for a case study research design. Six drug court treatment staff who utilized the Journey Mapping technology were purposefully selected to participate in this study. In addition, 10 clients were selected via stratified random sampling to represent all five treatment phases among the approximately 100 clients in the program. The 16 staff and clients participated in interviews and observations, and also responded to a questionnaire. A staff survey, a researchers journal and program records provided additional data. The predominant qualitative data analysis strategy, coding according to the constant comparative method, was employed for the data from interviews, program records, and the researchers journal. Coding, according to pre-identified themes, was applied for analysis of the observation data. Descriptive statistical analysis was utilized for the quantitatively-based questionnaire and staff survey. The analysis revealed that the practice of using Journey Mapping included discovery of the tool, applying unique technology, and completing contextual tasks. Participants perceptions were that Journey Mapping offered ease of use, saved time, promoted positive thinking, facilitated communication, increased learning, and created client voice. Performance of Journey Mapping as a program evaluation tool revealed that it supported treatment and administrative functions of the drug court, but was not utilized to its maximum potential. Major conclusions from these findings are (1) Journey Mapping implementation was relatively easy, while commitment for potential and long-term use was challenging; (2) Journey Mapping provided a novel context for facilitating communication while effectively completing evaluation tasks; (3) Journey Mapping supported a learning environment that encouraged positive thinking and personal growth; and (4) Journey Mapping created client empowerment. Journey Mapping offered innovation as well as a viable option for using narrative methods along with quantitative methods in program evaluation. The study concludes with implications for social work practice and administration, along with recommendations for future research.