While there may be many ways of approaching evaluation, the focus of this factsheet will be on evaluation activities conducted to improve the service system rather than activities with a research focus.
Program evaluation is an activity which summarizes the accomplishments of a program.
It can be performed as a separate activity from the ongoing management of the program, or, evaluation can be a management tool which routinely gives information back to the program for the purpose of changing it, improving it, and renewing it. In this form of evaluation, programs are seen as evolving and improving as they get information about their successes and accomplishments. Identify the purpose of the evaluation. Assure that there is a good understanding of the program. Describe how the program's activities are expected to result in changes to the consumers, their families, and the community at large.