Evaluation
The process of evaluation is not only concerned with hard results, but also with the process of Evaluation of the programme, and appreciation on the part of those whom it addresses. It is therefore just as important to monitor implementation as it is to measure the outcomes, particularly for the people who design and implement a parenting support programme.
Some evaluations focus on the process itself. In internal process evaluations, the staff or designers of the project examine how successfully their interventions have been implemented. They can then improve methods in order to enhance quality.
Both the Step-up and Home-start programmes have developed internal evaluation methods which have an important role for project managers and staff. Sometimes, process evaluations will be carried out by an external third party.
For a more complete description of the evaluation methods in use, please refer to the 'Evaluation Toolkit' published by Parenting UK (formerly known as the Parenting Education & Support Forum). The Evaluation Toolkit provides a wide range of resources for both beginners and more advanced users, and for projects of varying complexity. It can be purchased on line from www.parentinguk.org
