It is argued that an emphasis on a method of evaluation prior to the actual beginning of a program can prove of great value to an administrator in shaping the program and explaining and defending it to boards and funding bodies. Evaluation methods are discussed. (Author/MS)

Presents an overview of the concepts and methods employed by outcome researchers evaluating intervention effectiveness in child welfare, and the problems associated with these methods that make their use by agencies impractical. Discusses concepts of statistical significance, effect size, and the meaningfulness of effects. Emphasizes the need for…

To resolve the contradictory approaches of the outside researcher and the clinician to the evaluation of residential treatment centers, it is suggested that ongoing self-evaluation be undertaken by the centers themselves. (CS)

Asserts that few family preservation evaluations have demonstrated which service components, characteristics, and compositions lead to positive outcomes for families. Proposes a taxonomy and recording instrument for explicating and measuring the process of family preservation services by practitioners and programs in order to improve the…

Suggests ways in which states that are administering a Title IV-E independent-living program may generate program and evaluation data to meet requirements of a federal program report. Presents two examples of current evaluations of independent-living programs. (RJC)

Draws on findings from evaluations of recent reform initiatives in Alabama, North Carolina, and Ohio to suggest that performance-measurement systems for state child-welfare programs must adapt to changing circumstances, especially when improvements in one area can influence standards and expectations in others. (Author/KB)

Client satisfaction measures are an essential component of program evaluation. This article describes the development of a scale for measuring the satisfaction levels of parents whose children have received foster care services. Subjected to various statistical measures, the Parent Satisfaction with Foster Care Services Scale appears to be a…

Proposes the use of a post-substantiation model for responding to incidents of abuse within an institutional setting. Provides an example of how this model is applied to the investigation of institutional abuse. (Author/BB)

Briefly reviews general grouping of methods of program evaluation, discusses considerations in selecting a method, and comments on the roles and responsibilities of the public and voluntary sectors in the process of planning, evaluating, and implementing programs. (SS)

Presents a model training protocol for case management of child sexual abuse cases and a training protocol for the development of case planning skills. Findings from an evaluation of case management skills suggest that child protective service workers need training in formulating goals and objectives and negotiating contracts with sexually abusive…

Presents a case for using benefit-cost analysis to structure evaluations of child-abuse prevention and intervention programs. Presents the basic concept of benefit-cost analysis, its application in the context of assessing these types of child welfare programs, and limitations on its application to social service programs. (Author)

Report on the use of a behavior rating scale at a residential center for emotionally disturbed children. (BRT)