Building the infrastructure of your program takes the most time. These key people are needed to help determine procedures for referrals, design the case flow and documentation methods, and formulate the monitoring and evaluation components. Your organization must also train community members and system professionals if appropriate. CCNP, for example, sponsored the training of volunteers in Family Group Conferencing facilitation and successfully petitioned the Minneapolis Police Department to send some of its community policing personnel to the same training. Of course, development includes securing the resources needed to successfully carry out the program.
Funding is likely to be needed for salaries, training, and miscellaneous expenses.
Since it is essential to have general consensus on the program purpose and design, it is wise to obtain a formal endorsement of the program from community groups and participating organizations. Not only should the endorsements be in writing, but the finalized procedures should also be formally documented. Spell out the protocol you have developed, including eligibility criteria, referral process, screening, and monitoring. Highlight the goals and objectives. Make sure that information about the program is accessible to all interested persons and groups.