ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines some of the more widespread use of results from cost analyses and discusses the benefits that can be realistically expected from well-ducted cost analyses studies. It argues that the cost analyses are useful, they are only one part of the decision making process. And, as pointed out by Hayes, other fact such as constituency pressure, historical events, and societal values will frequently and legitimately be given more weight in the decision; making process. The differences between cost–benefit and cost–effectiveness analyses are best illustrated by a hypothetical example. Cost-benefit analyses become extremely complex in family support programs because the nature of the area in which such programs try to have an impact is very difficult to evaluate monetarily. Instead of convincing policymakers and funding agencies of the seriousness of the problem, most advocacy efforts focus primarily on the advantages of a specific program for solving the problem.
