Evaluating Family-Based Services

Family-based service (FBS) programs have been developing rapidly across the country at a time of increasingly scarce human resources and in a politically volatile climate. Such a context has made evaluation of such programs imperative. The present volume reviews basic elements of evaluation in the light of current knowledge and then highlights the most useful research instruments for measuring changes in child and family functioning. Chapters focus on evaluation methods that can be employed to determine the success of existing policy and to influence the development of new policy.
A companion volume to Families in Crisis, this book will serve as a practical manual on FBS evaluation and a guide to current debates on research and policy for programs to support and strengthen families.

Peter J. Pecora is Manager of Research, The Casey Family Program, and Associate Professor, School of Social Work, University of Washington.