Abstract:
Scaling public programs is a challenging task that requires thoughtful planning and purposeful leadership. Pilot programs often result in astounding outcomes that leave stakeholders excited and eager to expand the initiative. However, scaling those programs can lead to political turmoil, budget deficits, and disheartened communities. Police-Mental Health Collaborations are programs that have erupted in popularity since 2020 and have had positive results in pilot programs. This case has students consider the implications of scaling P-MHCs in a community, and how leaders can overcome difficulties to ensure the success and longevity of a P-MHC program.
The case has three phases. First, students will read a background document on P-MHCs in the United States to understand their strengths and challenges. Second, students will read a scaling and leadership toolkit document that provides a series of frameworks that public policy leaders can use to effectively scale a public program, as well as lead said scaling process. Third, students will participate in a simulation that has them scale a P-MHC from a pilot program to a full citywide program in a fictional city. Students will have a simulation set up document, as well as a spreadsheet, to assist in the activity.
Learning Objectives:
Students will:
- Understand the challenges associated with taking public programs to scale.
- Identify the strategies that leaders can use to overcome barriers to get to scale.
- Identify the “recipe” that leaders can use to successfully scale.
