Program development and evaluation: Minimizing pitfalls and maximizing opportunities

Abstract

Program development and evaluation in any setting constitutes no simple task, particularly when faced with problems that could have been anticipated and perhaps averted with better initial planning and administrative support. This article discusses potential obstacles in program development and evaluation and makes suggestions concerning how they might be avoided. Circumstances surrounding the design, implementation, and evaluation of a child sexual abuse prevention/education program in a private nonprofit
social service organization in a Midwestern metropolitan city are used for contextual and illustrative purposes. Recommendations for future programmatic efforts are also provided.