Evaluation of the Adoption Policy

In the lifespan of a policy, it is “birthed” out of an identified need and shaped into a policy, Once formed, the policy is implemented and marketed. The final stage is that of an evaluation. When embarking on the process of an evaluation, it is important to be cognizant of the fact that both the evaluator and the evaluation process will reflect the perspective of the evaluator and this will have some effect on the evaluation design.

There are 2 main evaluation points to obtain outcome data. The first is the outcome data that has traditionally been collected to answer the questions about the desired effect or objective is being achieved. More recently, process evaluations are applied in the evaluation process to determine if the program is operating according to the planned expectation.

In order to evaluate our adoption policy, outcome indicators would be collected. These indicators would consist of both qualitative and quantitative data. Information of a qualitative nature might include end-use or client surveys to determine how they are experiencing the adoption services in terms of the delivery of services. Family service workers and Ministry staff would also be surveyed to assess how well they are doing with meeting policy objectives such as completed social and medical histories. Quantitative data would also be important to the evaluation process and might include the number of individuals referred to counseling services, waiting times, and number of individuals registering vetoes etc.

Process oriented research determines if the policy is operating in accordance with the expectations contained within it. Therefore, an important aspect to consider is how well the policy is being implemented and followed across adoption agencies. Again this would be looked at both quantitatively and qualitatively both within the adoption industry framework as well as from the perspective of the client using the service. An example of a process evaluation method for collecting data from the service providers might include peer reviews and case reviews.

Westhues, A. (2006). Canadian Social Policy, Issues and Perspectives. ON: Wilfrid Laurier Press