RESEARCH

In line with the demonstration nature of the provincial plan, Sudbury is committed to measuring and understanding the process of community change that the project is attempting. Our site researcher from Laurentian University has been an integral part of the process from the beginning. A cohort of 130 four year old children will be followed for up to 25 years and will be measured against children who were 8 years old last year in the same neighbourhood, and against a control group in Ottawa.

Already we are seeing some exciting results in the community. There is a marked difference in violence in the school yards. Playgrounds previously abandoned have been rebuilt and rejuvenated. A network of community support has been created. Reduced vandalism and violence in the neighbourhood led to Better Beginnings being awarded the Crime Prevention Partners Award for 1994.

We also evaluate at all day staff meetings every third month, and at a special meeting of the membership once a year. The evaluations provide opportunities for parents and children to collectively discuss the progress of the project and make decisions about changes they would like to see.

For research inquiries contact Jean Marc Belanger.

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Last Updated June 1st, 2004 by OFFICE