EVALUATION
• The collection of data about outcomes
of a program of action relative to goals
and objectives set in advance of the
implementation of that program.
• A prerequisite to evaluation in social
work is a statement of goals and
objectives against which results be
reviewed.
• In social work, evaluation is a
continual process where the worker
keeps on gathering data which she
uses in an ongoing reassessment of
objectives, intervention plans, and
even the definition of the problem.
(ongoing evaluation)
• She also has to undertake terminal
evaluation which refers to the
evaluation undertaken before ending
a helping relationship.
• It is important for social work in the country
to be more scientific in its approach to
evaluation.
• One fundamental attribute of a profession is
the presence of a systematic body of theory
which supports and substantiates the skills
that characterize a profession. It can be
strengthened through research.
• There should be a systematic evaluation of
our activities.
• Another important reason for doing
evaluation is because social workers
and social work agencies must
answer for their work, not just to the
clients who are the direct users, but
to the public that supports them.
(professional accountability)
• Two aspects of accountability:
o Effectiveness – which refers to the
question on whether or not the services
or intervention plans are accomplishing
their intended goals.
o Efficiency – which refers to the cost of
services and intervention plans in money,
time, and other resources.
• Evaluation in social work is done on two
levels:
o On the level of direct practice with clients
o On the level of program implementation
• Evaluation in social work should utilize
scientific methods to measure outcomes,
therefore evaluation is directed toward
the following:
o Measuring the outcomes or
effectiveness of programs or specific
interventions – summative evaluation
o Measuring the change process or the
nature of the intervention themselves
– formative evaluation
o Utilizing a research design that will
permit you to attribute the outcome of
the change process.
• Qualitative and Quantitative Measures
o Qualitative measures like case studies
where she describes the situation of the
client before and after intervention. This
is to measure the effects of individual
and group treatment on the individual.
oQuantitative measures - used for
evaluating change efforts of social
workers. Examples are: behavioral
counts, goal-attainment scaling, selfratings on emotional states, and
value clarification ratings.
• Essentials for doing evaluation:
A clear definition of the goals and
objectives to be attained.
A clear definition of the intervention
and change activities to be
undertaken.
Documentation of the activities
undertaken to achieve the goals
defined.