2. How to Use the Implementation Guide

This Guide has been put together with the end-user in mind. It contains the information and resources needed to successfully implement CHAP in any community. The Guide is available at:

• CHAP Website: www.chapprogram.ca
• Shared Resources: www.bpcommunityexchange.net

All of the required documents referred to throughout the Guide can be downloaded from the website (in MS Word and Acrobat) and edited to best suit an individual community’s needs.

This Implementation Guide builds on the tools and processes developed, the feedback received, and the successes experienced since CHAP was initiated in 2000. The goal of this Guide is to provide a “road map” for communities interested in implementing CHAP.

Based on the previous experience of community-wide implementation of CHAP, the Guide is set up on a 24 week schedule which can be adapted to the needs of your community. Tasks are laid out on a bi-weekly basis to help track progress. The first 12 of 24 weeks are designated for tasks related to hiring resources, mobilizing the community, and recruiting the partners necessary to operate CHAP. The remaining 12 weeks are designated for operating the CHAP community-based sessions and to completing CHAP reports.

Local CHAP coordinators participate in regular teleconference calls led by the Regional Manager to facilitate discussion among the local CHAP coordinators. In turn, the Regional Manager will communicate progress, milestones, and any challenges to the CHAP Central Group.

The time and effort needed to successfully implement CHAP will vary in each community. Accordingly, this Guide is meant to provide direction and assistance with implementing the Program. While some aspects of the Program are considered critical and necessary, Local CHAP Coordinators should be aware that the Guide’s proposed approach and schedule is flexible and written so that it can be tailored to meet individual community needs.

The Website - www.chapprogram.ca The website includes a downloadable version of the Guide, its appendices and resources. It lays out the steps required to successfully implement CHAP in a consistent format across communities. It contains background information, objectives, checklists, samples of forms, letters, presentations, job descriptions, recommendations, training material, advertising, and more. It can also be used to contact the CHAP Central Group and both the Regional Manager and Local CHAP Coordinators via an electronic discussion board (list serve).

Local CHAP Coordinators will be able to access a discussion group for advice and support during their implementation of CHAP. Access to the CHAP discussion group will be made available to designated individuals. Local CHAP Coordinators will need to forward their e-mail addresses to the Regional Manager at the beginning of the implementation process. The list serve is a mailing list that automatically forwards messages to all designated people. It is used to give Local CHAP Coordinators Guide updates and important messages can automatically be forwarded to the larger group. In addition, discussions between the group members can be moderated so that suggestions, challenges and helpful tips can be shared.

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