The other consistent components of all Portage Programs are collaboration, program service components, and process evaluation and supervision. The wheel diagram in Figure 1 presents this framework to conceptualize the expansion of the Portage Model, and to explain the details of the various Portage Programs. Following a description of each of the main wheel components, all of the Portage Programs will be presented through this framework. Not only do families live in communities composed of multiple services and agencies, but programs also operate in these same communities. Collaboration is essential to create programs which are respectful of families and support efforts to provide comprehensive and quality programs.
Collaboration is an essential component in all of the following program service components.
Program recipients vary and include service providers, community agencies including education agencies, and children and families. The specific target populations of each program are described on the wheel diagrams. This assessment includes a broad view of the resources, supports, needs and concerns of program participants. Multiple environments including home, neighborhood, and community are assessed. The influence of local, state and national legislation and trends is considered especially in those programs which include training and support of service providers.