Brian D. Leidy,
Ph.D.
Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research
Beebe Hall, Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 14853
Education
1991
Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
Ph.D., Human Service Studies
Major Concentrations: Administration & Program Evaluation
1985
Marywood University, Scranton, PA.
Master of Public Administration
1972
Mansfield State University, Mansfield, PA.
Bachelor of Arts, Psychology
Associations
Member Pi Alpha Alpha, Honorary Society for Public Affairs and
Administration
Member American Evaluation Association
`
Current Position
7/11-Present
Senior Extension Associate
Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research
New York State College of Human Ecology
Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
As the Principal Investigator and Director for the Military Projects in the
Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research, I have the overall
administrative responsibility for the Military Projects including proposal and
grant preparation, fiscal management, hiring and supervising staff, and
administrative oversight of all the project work. I continue to provide the
primary supervision for all the projects’ program evaluation and research
activities which are currently carried out for the family support programs in the
Army, Air Force, Department of Defense, and Army Reserve. I also provide
program evaluation, consultation, and training to a variety of projects and
programs within and outside the Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational
Research. I speak frequently at conferences and workshops nationally and
internationally about program evaluation.
Past Employment
4/95- 4/09
Senior Research Associate,
Family Life Development Center
New York State College of Human Ecology
Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
Primary responsibilities included the design and implementation of
evaluation strategies for military family support programs including
financial management education and counseling, employment support,
relocation support services, deployment support, services for
exceptional family members, child safety education, child maltreatment
prevention and response, intimate violence prevention and response,
sexual assault prevention and response, outreach to survivors of fallen
service members, support for wounded warriors/warriors in transition,
and volunteer services.
2
3/92-Present
Self Employed Managerial Consultant
This work consisted of program evaluation services in a variety of child welfare,
mental health, educational, and vocational services.
9/89-9/93
Senior Extension Associate,
Department of Social Services Project
New York State College of Human Ecology
Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
Training evaluation, curriculum development, and training for adult
protective service supervisors and adult home administrators in New
York.
8/81-8/86
Day Treatment Supervisor,
Tioga County (PA) Human Service Agency
Wellsboro, PA
Administrator for the county Title XX Day Care program, two
children’s psychiatric partial hospitalization programs, and three
children and youth day treatment programs.
9/78-8/81
Director:
Children's Services of Tioga County (PA)
Wellsboro, PA
Administrator for the public child welfare agency providing child
protective services, foster care, residential care, group home placements
and adoption.
9/76-9/78
CPS Supervisor:
Children's Services of Tioga County (PA)
Wellsboro, PA
Supervisor of the county child protection unit.
5/73-9/76
CPS Caseworker:
Children's Services of Tioga County (PA)
Wellsboro, PA
Carried out child protective investigations and provided on going case
management services for children in their own home, foster home, and
congregate care settings.
3
Publications
Leidy, B., Haugaard, J., Nunno, M., Kwartner, J. (2006) Review of Restraint Data in a
Residential Treatment Center for Adolescent Females, Child and Youth Care Forum
(online journal) http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10566-006-9021-z
Nunno, M. A., Holden, M. J. & Leidy, B. D. (2003) Evaluating and
monitoring the impact of a crisis intervention system on a residential child care
facility. Children and Youth Services Review, 25 (4). 295-315.
Hamilton, S.F., Leidy, B.D., & Thomas, M.G. (2002). Adding value to youth and family
development: The engaged university and professional and academic outreach. In Lerner,
R.M., Jacobs, F. & Wertlieb, D. (Eds.) Handbook of Applied Developmental Science, 4,
173-190. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage
Leidy, B. TCI Implementation Project: Case Study, REFOCUS, Cornell University’s
Residential Child Care Project Newsletter, Vol. 7, 2002.
Leidy, B. Even Start: An Important Prevention Resource in Child Abuse and Neglect
Ohio State University Cooperative Extension, Human Development & Family Life
Bulletin, Volume 4 – Issue 3 – Autumn 1998
Nunno, M., Holden, M. & Leidy, B. (1997) Child Maltreatment in Loco Parentis. In
Garbarino, J & Eckenrode, J. (eds) Understanding Abusive Families, 131-141. San
Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass
Hadley, R. with Leidy, B.(1996) Community social work in a market environment: A
British-American exchange of technologies and experience. British Journal of Social
Work, 26, 823-842.
Technical Reports: Resource materials developed for the U.S. Army IMCOM G9 Family
and MWR Programs
Army Family Advocacy Program (FAP)
Report of findings from the Family Advocacy Program Managers (FAPMs) On-line
Survey (2011): The key objectives of this on-line survey were to learn about the
resources available to FAPMs and the support they receive from Headquarters and
Regional staff. This report was especially important for Cornell staff and HQDA FAP
staff in revising the “FAP Guide to Prevention Programming Computer-based Training
(CBT)” [Edition 3, 2012], and developing the child abuse and domestic abuse awareness
campaigns which are used by the FAPMs in their work.
Command Support Study: This study summarizes findings from the most recently
completed iteration of the Command Support Study (2010) and compares the latest
findings with those from the original study completed in 2005. Both studies strongly
validated the Command Support Model which postulates that if Commanders are
appropriately briefed by the Family Advocacy Program (FAP) Manager, they will be
more likely to attend the Case Review Committee (CRC) meeting that is held when an
incident of child or domestic abuse occurs involving a Soldier under their command. The
model further hypothesizes that if the Commander attends the CRC, he or she is more
likely to endorse the victim and offender treatment plans, and if the Commander endorses
the treatment plans it is more likely that Soldiers and Families will complete treatment
4
and will not experience subsequent incidents of abuse. This study is currently underway
for a third time with completion anticipated in 2015.
FAP Prevention Resources
Army FAP Guide to Prevention Programming Training (2012): This online selfguided tutorial was revised and adapted from former editions (2005, 2007). The training
instructs FAP managers on how to implement a local family violence prevention program
plan that covers: Army prevention initiatives and protocols, Army-wide and local
demographic trends, a review of risk and protective factors associated with abuse, a
review of prevention programs and best practices (e.g., parenting, relationships, fathering,
anger management, etc.), strategies for forming partnerships, evaluating programs and
services, and updating the prevention plan.
Transitional Compensation (TC) Self-guided Tutorial (2012). This tutorial provides
information to FAP service providers about the Army policies and related standards, eligibility
requirements, benefits, and the application process for victims of substantiated child abuse or
domestic abuse whose sponsor is being separated from the military.
Transitional Compensation (TC) Program Tutorial for Commanders/Leaders (2013): This
tutorial gives guidance to Army commanders regarding their role in helping victims of
substantiated incidents of child abuse and domestic abuse receive TC benefits.
Emergency Placement Care (EPC) Manual (2013): This manual, which was updated from the
first Edition (2004), provides EPC managers guidance about the policies and procedures to
implement the EPC program specific to pre-placement, ongoing placement, termination of
placement, and post-placement of a child identified as needing emergency out-of-home care. It
also highlights the current research on this topic.
Army FAP Commander’s Desk Guide (2013): This tutorial serves as a reference tool
regarding the important role of commanders/leaders in learning about the prevention of child
abuse and domestic abuse in accordance with Army policy and related guidance. Working
collaboratively with (FAP), the focus is on strengthening Families as well as victim safety,
offender accountability, and prompt intervention for at-risk Families or when incidents have
occurred. An important section for commanders is the research-based information on risk factors
and well-being approaches to suicide prevention, PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and substance
abuse.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Child Abuse Prevention Month (20112013): The Military Projects have been producing marketing campaign materials for
child abuse and domestic abuse prevention months since 1993 that also included a series
of posters. This reporting period included the development of the campaign rationale
based on a review of recent research literature, a model Commanders Proclamation draft,
and instructions on strategies to launch the local campaigns.
New Parent Support Program (NPSP) - Home Visitation
Report of findings from the New Parent Support Program Home Visitor Online
Survey (2012): The NPSP HV online survey of home visitors included questions about
the home visitor’s background/training for home visiting, the resources and curricula they
use, their implementation approaches and challenges, and their use of assessment
instruments. The report also compared the practices of different types of home visitors
5
(Social Worker/RN/other) and level of experience in home visitation as well as CONUS
and OCONUS differences. The response rate was excellent with 78% of home visitors
completing the survey. The full report included a comparison of the survey responses
with Army Client Tracking System data that home visitors enter for each family on their
caseload, from the same time period. This report also examined Family demographics,
length of engagement with the program, and other patterns and trends. Beyond providing
the Army with information about how home visitors do their jobs and how to better
support them, findings from this survey and data analysis were used to inform the
development of an evaluation protocol for the program.
New Parent Support Program Home Visitation Manual (2013): This revision
completed in 2013 was adapted from an earlier 2006 CD manual and serves as a selfguided tutorial for Army home visitors. This revision was based on a review of the home
visiting research and the best practices that incorporated feedback from the survey of
NPSP home visitors conducted the year before (2012).
Army Victim Advocacy Program (VAP)
Report of findings from the Victim Advocate Online Survey (2013): The online survey asked
victim advocates about their educational background and experience, professional staff
development, their current caseload, their use of safety planning and other non-clinical case
management activities or services provided, frequency and length of contact during and after the
crisis stage, how long cases stay active, reasons for closure, and what support and resources they
can rely on. In addition, the survey catalogued their qualitative best practices and the challenges
they face in carrying out their work, and how Regional and Headquarters staff can better support
them.
Report of findings form the analysis of de-identified Victim Advocacy Domestic Abuse Sexual
Assault Tracking System (VADASATS) (2013). VADASATS is the Army data base for clients
who seek VAP services due to allegations of domestic abuse. Until recently it has also been used
to track sexual assault cases reported in the Army. A report was prepared detailing victim
characteristics for restricted and unrestricted reports of domestic abuse. The analysis also
examined implementation of the program (e.g., safety planning, engagement patterns, etc.). This
report also contained a section detailing the incidents in which one Soldier sexually assaults
another and the power dynamic between victim and offender.
Resources developed for the U.S. Army IMCOM G9 Family and MWR Programs
Army Community Services Needs Assessment: During the past three years, the
Military Projects have continued to assist Army Community Service (ACS) Centers at the
installation level with preparation for their tri-annual accreditation process by helping
them gain community input for their needs assessment. The needs assessment survey that
we developed in 2003 was revised extensively in 2012 and the Military Projects assisted
77 installations with their needs assessment in 2011, 2012, and 2013. For each
installation a sampling plan was developed for surveying their populations both
electronically and with paper copies of the survey. The survey was personalized for their
installation and additional questions were added to the standardized core survey as
needed. When installations completed the data collection process, the paper copy data
was scanned and merged with electronic data, analyzed, and the findings were used to
prepare a written report for the ACS Director at the installation.
Army Community Services Outcomes Review Summary: We continued to work with
Program Managers and Division Chiefs within U.S. Army IMCOM G9 Family and
MWR Programs on program evaluation during the past three years. Many of these
6
programs have been successful in identifying outcome metrics for the Soldiers and
Family Members they serve, have completed a piloting process to validate these
measures, and have either incorporated them into their client tracking system or have
under taken periodic studies to assess program performance. Some programs and
services have made less progress in establishing outcome metrics, validating them, and
incorporating them into their data collection processes. This work culminated in August
with a series of meetings and the draft of an Outcomes Review Summary which detailed
a process for piloting and validating outcome metrics that were identified for 11 of the
Army Family Programs that either did not have outcome metrics or wished to collect
additional outcome data.
Report submitted to Department of Defense Office of Military Community & Family Policy
DoD Exceptional Family Member Program Benchmark Report (2012): This report
summarizes findings from an extensive literature review, a series of interviews with
family support programs for families with special needs within the military and civilian
sectors, and focus groups and individual interviews with Service members, Family
members, and service providers at eight installations, two from each military service.
This work was carried out in 2011 and 2012. The report detailed the experiences of
military families with special needs, the military and civilian supports available to them,
and the ways in which family members with special needs impact the service member’s
career. It also highlighted best practices in both the military and civilian programs and
the recommendations of families with special needs for strengthening the support system
and facilitating the active duty member’s continued service.
Resource materials developed for the U.S. Air Force, Family Advocacy Program (FAP)
This project’s deliverables were to design three research/evidence based Special
Emphasis Month (SEM) packages to be used by the USAF Family Advocacy Program
Outreach Managers around the themes of Child Abuse Prevention, Domestic Abuse
Prevention and Teen Dating Violence Prevention. HQ USAF FAP wanted
standardized materials for all their bases, including the joint base environments which
meant that the materials were produced in two versions. Version 1was designed to be
used at USAF installations only and Version 2 at joint base environments featuring seals
and photos for Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force. Each set of materials included
a review of the most current prevention research for each topic that could be used for
briefings, classes, workshops, public service announcements, social media distribution
and various forms of print media. The visual components include posters, bookmarks, tip
sheets and wallet cards. We also developed general marketing materials and made the
decision jointly with HQ USAF FAP staff that while the materials would be highlighted
during the special emphasis months (February, April and October) they would also be
designed to be used throughout the year. Materials were delivered on CD for
commercial and desk side print formats and are also housed on the USAF FAP staff
website.
Selected Conferences, Professional Meetings, Invited Lectures July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2014
2014
November: panelist on the Cornell University Women Veterans Roundtable held for area
employers on November 3, 2014 at the ILR Conference Center.
7
May: lead a one day workshop on evaluation planning and piloting with the leadership of
the Army Reserve Family Programs in Fort Bragg, NC.
May: lead half day workshop on developing an evaluation plan with the leadership of the
military Exceptional Family Member Programs in Alexandria, VA.
March: assisted with a one day workshop on developing evaluation questions and
evaluation plans with the leadership of the Army Reserve Family Programs in Raleigh,
NC.
January: presented a plan for evaluating changes in eating, exercising, and tobacco use as
a result of the individual initiatives within the Healthy Base Initiative in Alexandria, VA.
2013
September: presented as part of a panel on the future of military families at the Military
Families in Transition: Stress, Resilience, and Well-being Forum held at Walter Reed
Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD.
September: assisted with one day workshop on developing evaluation questions with the
leadership of the military Exceptional Family Member Programs in Washington, DC.
August: assisted with a one day workshop on developing pathway models and evaluation
plans with the leadership of the Army Reserve Family Programs in Chicago, IL.
July/August: presented program evaluation strategy to leadership of Army Family
Programs and developed evaluation plans for 11 Family Programs in San Antonio, TX.
June: was the discussant for a panel on Parenting and Child Outcomes at the Purdue
University Military Family Research Institute International Research Symposium on
Military and Veteran Families in Indianapolis, IN.
April: assisted with a three day workshop on evaluation with the leadership of the Army
Reserve Family Programs in Ithaca, NY.
January: presented a strategy for program evaluation to leadership of Army Reserve
Family Programs at their quarterly meeting in Raleigh, NC.
2012
December: assisted with a one day training in Washington, DC for the Exceptional
Family Member Program leadership from DoD, Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air
Force to develop common process and outcome metrics.
July: facilitated a three-day training for the Army Family Team Building master trainers
on distance learning in San Antonio, TX.
Awards, Sub-Awards and Grants July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2014
Co-Principal Investigator, Army One Source, National Institute for Food and
Agriculture/USDA ($4,050,000) 9/1/2008 to 8/31/2011
Principal Investigator, Army Family Advocacy Program (FAP) National Institute for
Food and Agriculture/USDA ($408,514) 9/1/2010-8/31/2012
8
Principal Investigator, Relocation Assistance Project, Hearts Apart, National Institute for
Food and Agriculture/USDA ($61,000) 9/1/2010 to 8/31/2012
Principal Investigator, DoD EFMP Benchmark Study, National Institute for Food and
Agriculture/USDA ($434,635) 9/1/2010 to 8/31/2012. This included a sub award with
the University of Kansas.
Principal Investigator, Army Family Advocacy Program (FAP) National Institute for
Food and Agriculture/USDA ($409,091) 9/1/2011-8/31/2013
Principal Investigator, Army One Source, National Institute for Food and
Agriculture/USDA ($230,411) 9/1/2011 to 8/31/2013
Principal Investigator, Army Community Services (ACS) Evidence Based Programming,
National Institute for Food and Agriculture/USDA ($267,372) 9/1/2011 to 8/31/2013
Principal Investigator, Army Family Advocacy Program (FAP) National Institute for
Food and Agriculture/USDA ($459,441) 9/1/2012-8/31/2014
Principal Investigator, Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) Process and
Outcome Metrics, National Institute for Food and Agriculture/USDA ($290,909)
10/9/2012 to 8/31/2014
Principal Investigator at Cornell, sub award through the University of Minnesota,
Military Family Support Training System, National Institute for Food and
Agriculture/USDA ($282,501) 10/1/2011 to 8/31/2014
Principal Investigator at Cornell, sub award through Kansas State University, USAF
Violence Campaign Project, National Institute for Food and Agriculture/USDA ($95,000)
9/1/2012 to 8/31/2014
Principal Investigator, Superstar Practitioner, three year Hatch award ($66,000)
10/1/2012 to 9/30/2015
Principal Investigator, Army Reserve Family Programs, National Institute for Food and
Agriculture/USDA ($909,091) 4/1/2013 to 3/31/2015
Principal Investigator, Healthy Base Initiative Measurement and Evaluation Strategy,
National Institute for Food and Agriculture/USDA ($500,000): 10/1/2013 to 12/31/2015
Principal Investigator, Army Family Advocacy Program (FAP) National Institute for
Food and Agriculture/USDA ($346,616) 9/1/2014-8/31/2015
Principal Investigator, Army Reserve Family Programs, National Institute for Food and
Agriculture/USDA ($909,091) 9/1/2014 to 8/31/2016
Principal Investigator, Ready and Resilient Program/Portfolio Evaluation, National
Institute for Food and Agriculture/USDA ($185,597) 9/1/2014-8/31/2015
Principal Investigator, Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) Process and
Outcome Metrics, National Institute for Food and Agriculture/USDA ($182,058)
9/1/2014 to 8/31/2015