This guide is part of the Office for Victims of Crime's (OVC's) online series of technical assistance guides that serve as tools for victim service providers and allied professionals that need to conduct program evaluations or needs assessments.
Conducting program evaluations is an important part of operating and managing any program. This step allows program managers to determine whether their programs are meeting the needs of their client base and achieving the overall goals of their program. Not all program managers, however, have the time or the expertise to conduct a program evaluation. This guide, from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime, is intended to assist managers in making the decision about whether to conduct the evaluation themselves or hire an outside evaluator. The guide has four sections: 1) questions to consider when making this decision; 2) the advantages and disadvantages of hiring an outside evaluator; 3) what to look for in hiring an outside evaluator, what their competencies are, and what their role and responsibilities should be; and 4) how to find an outside, local evaluator. A resource section includes a list of organizations that can provide additional assistance and a glossary of terms used in the guide. 3 exhibits, and 2 appendixes