NCJ Number
191723
Date Published
May 2002
Length
45 pages
Annotation
This report presents an abbreviated, step-by-step approach to a comprehensive local Weed-and-Seed evaluation.
Abstract
A comprehensive evaluation includes a process evaluation that describes how the program operates and whether it is operating as stakeholders intended it to operate, as well as an impact evaluation, which describes how well the program operates and whether it has met stated goals. Five steps are detailed for the components of a comprehensive evaluation of a Weed and Seed project. The first step is planning, which consists of deciding what information is needed and how to obtain it. Advance planning for information collection is critical to the success of all evaluation efforts. The second step is to identify an evaluator. This involves recruiting an experienced evaluator from a local university, private firm, or agency; or it may consist of a self-evaluation from within the Weed and Seed organization. The third step is to describe and assess how the Weed and Seed strategy is actually working compared with how the stakeholders intended it to work. The fourth step is to assess how well the Weed and Seed strategy is working in terms of achieving long-term objectives, such as reducing violent crime in a designated neighborhood, increasing citizen perceptions of safety, and improving neighborhoods physically and economically. The fifth and final step is to communicate evaluation results to appropriate target audiences and use evaluation findings to strengthen identified weaknesses. Keep record systems current and celebrate successes. 3 tables and sample evaluation instruments and forms