Program Assessment
What is a Program Assessment?
Program assessment can be defined as actively engaging in self-evaluation and utilizing the findings to inform and improve the planning and implementation of program activities to more effectively carry out your mission and achieve programmatic outcomes.
Why is Program Assessment critical?
Program assessment plays a dynamic role in evaluation as part of a focused continuous quality improvement (CQI) effort. This internal assessment can provide targeted information on program effectiveness on a variety of topics. This internal reflection is a critical component of a comprehensive evaluation plan.
What resources does FRIENDS have in Program Assessment?
FRIENDS created a resource that is designed for Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention (CBCAP) programs conducting direct service with children, youth, and families. The tool provides information on the background of program assessment in CBCAP and outlines the role assessment supports in evaluation, parent involvement, and protective factors. The resource is structured to be user-friendly for programs by providing assessments that are structured around various topical areas listed below.
Assessments provided include:
- Program Administration
- General Information
- Boards/Councils
- Staff Roles and Capacities
- Staff Training
- Program Services and Activities
- General Information
- Parenting Education
- Child Development
- Home Visiting
- Center Environment
- Community Collaboration
- Continuous Quality Improvement
- Engaging, Retaining and Supporting Families
- Parent Leadership
- Working One-on-One with Families
- Valuing and Supporting Families
- Responding to Families in Crisis
- Engaging and Retaining Fathers