Families First Outcomes Evaluation Framework

Abstract

This document is the Final Draft of the Families First Outcomes Evaluation Framework, concerned with evaluating child, family and community outcomes. It is one of the evaluation activities for Families First. Others include process evaluation through Area Reviews of three Families First Areas in 2002-03, local Area evaluations and program evaluation of the projects funded through Families First. This outcome evaluation activity will inform the other evaluation activities. Overall the evaluation considers whether Families First has been effective in supporting families and communities in NSW to care for children using an early intervention approach and in developing linkages between specialised health, education, community and other policies. The Framework includes suggestions for minimum data collection and foundations for extending studies beyond the budget of the evaluation. A general aim in choosing the outcome indicators is to maintain compatibility with simultaneous program evaluation of similar NSW, Commonwealth and international programs.