ABSTRACT
This chapter addresses both issues, in order to improve the theory and methods of evaluation, and to discuss some results that are already available for comparisons among diverse methods. An important related evaluation question is whether the outcomes resulted from effective measures created prior to undertaking treatment. Evaluations should be based on a preliminary assessment of the client and the problem’s dimensions before program implementation. Evaluation indicators, therefore, must take into account not only specific outcome but also general measures of equity in different welfare systems. In the Italian case, this can be found in the strategies and the specific goals of the recent national planning documents. To improve planning in the area of health and social programs, we need to enrich the theoretical bases of the services, improve their methodologies, provide resources that are consistent with expected results, and facilitate their attainment.
