What Is Evaluation?

“The systematic collection of information about the activities, characteristics, and outcomes of programs to make judgments about the program, improve program effectiveness, and/or inform decisions about future programming.”

(Patton, Utilization-Focused Evaluation, 1997)

Why Is Evaluation Important?

• Accountability
• Program improvements
• Knowledge development
• Social justice: Are the most vulnerable populations receiving appropriate and effective services?

Why Is Local Evaluation Important?

• Provides the nation with information about systems of care, how they develop, and how they are sustained across time
• Provides detailed information about the children served, their families, and their experiences with systems of care
• Offers objective picture of what works and what doesn’t work locally and nationally
• Information may be used locally and nationally to leverage additional funding

How Communities Can Use the National Evaluation?

Use as a Data Feedback Loop to Ensure Continuous Quality Improvement

• Information drawn from the national evaluation and local evaluation efforts are used to provide information about:
  • The service system
  • Who is being served
  • How the service system and children who are being served change across time
• National evaluation and other local data are used to:
  • Inform program decisions
  • Improve service delivery
  • Implement quality control
  • Expand service provision

Outcomes

Will update shortly.

For more information about the national evaluation, contact Local Evaluator, Mohua Hazra at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 601.544.4641 ext.183