NCJ Number
50925
Date Published
1976
Length
72 pages
Annotation
THIS DOCUMENT EXAMINES THE EVALUATION PROCESS AND SUGGESTS EFFECTIVE WAYS IN WHICH ADMINISTRATORS CAN APPLY IT IN THE MANAGEMENT OF STATE MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAMS.
Abstract
MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM EVALUATION IS DEFINED AS THE PROCESS OF DETERMINING THE RESULTS OF PROGRAMS AND ANALYZING THE EXTENT TO WHICH THEY HAVE ACCOMPLISHED THEIR PREDETERMINED GOALS AND OBJECTIVES. BECAUSE ADMINISTRATORS NEED SYSTEMATIC INFORMATION TO MAKE PROGRAM OPERATING DECISIONS, THE EVALUATION PROCESS CONTINUOUSLY MONITORS AND FEEDS BACK INFORMATION FOR GUIDING CORRECTION AND IMPROVEMENT OF THE PROGRAM'S COURSE. PROGRAM EVALUATIONS MAY BE CONDUCTED BY EITHER INTERNAL OR EXTERNAL PERSONNEL AND WILL VARY WITH MANAGEMENT NEEDS. THE FOLLOWING ASPECTS OF EVALUATION ARE DISCUSSED: THE RANGE OF EVALUATIVE ACTIVITIES; FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF EVALUATORS; ORGANIZATION AND STAFFING; AND THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MANAGEMENT AND PROGRAM EVALUATORS. IN DESCRIBING SCOPE OF EVALUATION ACTIVITIES, THE PLANNING, OPERATIONAL, AND ASSESSMENT STAGES ARE CONSIDERED. THE LOCATIONS OF OFFICES AND THE DESIRABLE SKILLS AND QUALITIES OF EVALUATORS ARE DISCUSSED. IT IS SUGGESTED THAT THIS REPORT SERVE AS A BASE FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS IN PROGRAM EVALUATION WITHIN THE STATES. PRIORITY CONCERNS AND NEEDS IDENTIFIED THROUGH EVALUATION CAN PROVIDE DATA FOR PLANNING OTHER PROJECTS. APPENDICES REPORT THE RESULTS OF A SURVEY OF MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAMS IN 14 SOUTHERN STATES AND PROVIDE SUPPLEMENTAL REFERENCES, A GLOSSARY OF TERMS, AND FOOTNOTES. (JCP)