CONTENTS

Table of Contents
Introduction

1. Evaluation and the Program Planning Process
2. Data Analysis, or "What Do You Mean by That?"
3. Special Challenges in Evaluating Prevention Programs

Supplements
Resources

Evaluation for the Unevaluated:
Program Evaluation 102

Obtaining Permissions/Ethical Concerns

Jack already knows from years of working with kids that informing parents and obtaining written permissions is essential to involving kids in after school activities. Now his evaluator wants to study these kids to gather data about their attitudes toward and use of substances. Some of these substances are illegal at any age.

Is this a serious issue? You bet! But, if you remember two things, you should be o.k.

First, always obtain "informed consent" from people participating in your study. When working with minors, get the parents' consent as well. Informed consent means that you've told them the facts about the study and what types of personal information will be collected. See our sample informed consent form.

You must be absolutely truthful about how the information will be used and stored.Add confidential stamp icon Although most data can remain confidential, anything that points to child abuse will be subject to applicable State laws about reporting--link to info about State laws. There are also times when medical information cannot be kept confidential--link to what may need to be divulged. When in doubt, consult an attorney or an expert on research involving human subjects.

Second, ensure that all data are reported in the aggregate. This means that when you gather data from 50 Cool After Schoolers and learn that five students first smoked cigarettes at age 10, your formal report simply states that 10 percent of the participants in your program first smoked at age 10.

Fortunately, CSAP has extensive guidance available to help with issues of confidentiality. Other excellent resources are available on the Web, such as the Department of Health and Human Services Office for Human Research Protection.