NCJ Number
93301
Date Published
1984
Length
16 pages
Annotation
Current diversion program evaluation approaches have produced inconclusive results, and multigoal evaluation (MGE) offers an alternative evaluation approach that considers not only stated program goals but contextual variables as well.
Abstract
MGE is the accumulation of a pool of knowledge that is then categorized into specific areas. From these areas, variables are then selected for evaluation. The aim of the MGE approach is to build a picture of the diversion program through comprehensive descriptiveness. One essential principle of the MGE approach is the obtaining of information from policymakers, management, planning, and document review to clarify the stated goals. This is necessary so that the program objectives may reflect the intent of the conceivers. A second principle requires that the evaluators acquaint themselves with the remaining sphere of contextual variables. A third principle is that the objectives, effects, and questions addressed by the evaluation must provide a concise and comprehensive picture of the diversion program, and a fourth principle is that recognition of multiple variables that can answer questions about the program are continually searched for during the evaluation. The MGE approach assumes than an evaluation that can delineate the diversion program in its entirety will have greater impact and utility in decisionmaking. In this study, using a retrospective approach, the MGE perspective is applied to a diversion program evaluation. From this application, MGE is found to provide more information than other approaches with regard to time span for service delivery, analysis of service delivery and differential impact, analysis by contracted service providers, analysis of multiple services, identification of 'net widening' and illustration of a method to pursue system acceleration inquiry, and differential impact of redefining recidivism. Six notes and 64 references are provided. (Author summary modified)