Establishing the design

Abstract

Careful evaluation is a prerequisite for progress in developing effective programs for children. In this regard, objective empirical information is central to understanding the effectiveness of family preservation programs. In this article four issues that need to be considered when evaluating family preservation programs are considered. First, there is a need to specify goals of the intervention in advance. Second, evaluation strategies need to consider the difference between treatment and effects. Third, it is important to examine the design considerations that effect the credibility of the evaluation. Finally, the article provides suggestions for measures that could be used in multisite interventions.