Using the Getting to Outcomes (GTO) Model in a Statewide Prevention Initiative

Getting to Outcomes: Methods and Tools for Planning, Evaluation, and Accountability (GTO) was developed as a hands-on guide to help practitioners plan, implement, and evaluate their programs to achieve results. The GTO manual uses worksheets and case examples to guide practitioners in answering 10 accountability questions about needs and resources, goals, evidence-based practices, fit, capacity, plan, implementation, outcome evaluation, continuous quality improvement, and sustainability. Addressing these questions will help programs achieve positive outcomes because the accountability questions include the elements of successful programming. GTO is thought to be most effective when implemented as a system in which all the stakeholders (e.g., funders, program operators, evaluators) follow the GTO model together. This article briefly describes the GTO model and the accountability questions and provides an example of a statewide initiative that is using the GTO model in a comprehensive grant-making system.