ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses evaluation options for family group conferencing (FGC) programs, with particular focus on data collection, using a Canadian FGC demonstration program, "the Calgary project," as a case example. The Calgary project is one example of the dramatic shift in the roles that stakeholders and evaluators play in planning and implementing programs. In this project, stakeholder decision-making, information for routine program operations, and formative evaluation took precedence over evaluator control and a narrow focus on outcome data. The Calgary project developed a contact and communication log to be completed by the conference coordinator after each attempted or successful contact with a prospective participant. The Calgary project had four eligibility requirements and each was included as part of a checklist on the project intake form. Interviews were another data collection method used in the Calgary project. Child protection workers were contacted by a research assistant and invited to give their perceptions about the project.
