To determine whether implementation is having the intended impact, court improvement projects need to evaluate their reform activities. Evaluation should continue throughout the implementation process. States have already conducted an evaluation of sorts through the initial court assessment. Whether this was done in-house or through an outside party, the data gathered through interviews, questionnaires, record reviews, court observations and focus groups helped determine what improvements were needed in the dependency court system. This initial assessment serves as an excellent baseline against which to measure the impact of implementation activities.
Evaluation is a team effort.
Whether you choose to use an outside evaluator or a staff member to oversee the effort, a good evaluation will require the input and time of many different individuals and agencies. Outside evaluators can be found at local universities, as well as private research and consulting firms. Look for experience in conducting evaluations and a basic knowledge of legal and child welfare issues. Sometimes cost determines whether to use an outside or in-house evaluator. Advantages to outside evaluators are their objectivity and often greater experience and expertise.