This outcome evaluation plan for the federal Bureau of Justice Assistance’s (BJA’s) Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) first reviews recommendations for this long-term evaluation from an initial preliminary SAKI evaluation and then presents proposed methods, data-collection timelines, staffing plans, and sample instruments to be used in the execution of an evaluation of the national SAKI program.
The initial evaluation of the SAKI program included evaluability assessments, a process evaluation, and system reform assessment of 17 of the 20 SAKI sites that received funding in FY 2015, as well as a case-level analysis and feasibility assessment for a long-term national outcome evaluation. Recommendations for the outcome evaluation focused on types of outcomes and levels of measurement required for a SAKI program evaluation. The initial evaluation contained five recommendations for the proposed outcome evaluation. First, key outcomes should focus on unsubmitted sexual assault kit (SAK) reduction and system reform. Second, assess victim engagement and perspectives. Third, include both state and local outcomes of the SAKI. Fourth, compare outcomes of SAKI grantees to outcomes for non-SAKI sites, as well as varying outcomes among SAKI sites. Fifth, examine the spread of SAKI influence. The evaluation study design described in this report encompasses the cross-site comparative study, in-depth case study, national study, summary of analysis, and anticipated challenges. Research questions are also provided. 2 figures, 1 reference, and appended evaluation instruments