Evaluation Lessons

Evaluating any social service program is challenging, especially when the program deals with populations who are at risk of becoming delinquent or already in trouble. Evaluating programs that deal with juvenile delinquency poses special challenges because they serve adolescents, a population that requires special attention to data collection protocols, such as obtaining parental permission for their children to participate in interviews or surveys and gaining the cooperation of system-wary youth. Moreover, these programs are often modestly funded, with staff stretched in many directions, working with too many youth in too little time. In order for an evaluation component to succeed, there needs to be careful attention to the design, timing, and resources. Following are the lessons learned regarding several interrelated issues?control groups, sample size, data collection, and program stability.