Resource Brief: Improving Evaluation Readiness for Reentry Programs

Evaluation of your reentry program can answer basic questions, such as whether the program is effective, for whom, and how it has been implemented. However, not all programs are "evaluation-ready." This brief summarizes the five foundational elements for program managers and evaluators to focus on as they build a program’s readiness for evaluation: 

1. Clear program model. The program model needs to be clearly articulated through a logical framework (e.g., logic model).  
2. Stable and fully implemented program. Before being evaluated, the program should be fully implemented and have enrolled at least one group of participants; no changes should have been made to the target population or program model during the period covered.  
3. Sufficient numbers of participants. The program will need to have enough participants enrolled to determine its impact.  
4. Data capacity. Evaluators will need to assess the program's data capacity, such as existing data sources, new data to be collected, data agreements and data transfer, and electronic data systems.  
5. Leadership support. An evaluation requires buy-in from the leadership of all involved parties, such as reentry program administrators. 

This brief from the Evaluation and Sustainability Training and Technical Assistance (ES TTA) team at RTI International and the Center for Justice Innovation (formerly the Center for Court Innovation) fully describes these five foundational components of evaluation readiness. 

View the Resource Brief (PDF)

Related Resource:

• Reentry Program Evaluation Readiness Planning Guide