Final answer:
Regular, ongoing comprehensive evaluations are systematic processes that assess numerous aspects of a program's effectiveness, including its fidelity to the original model and cost-effectiveness. These evaluations can involve mixed-methods data collection and are essential for program improvement and informed decision-making regarding funding.
Step-by-step explanation:
Regular, ongoing comprehensive evaluations are a systematic process of assessing a program's effectiveness, impact, and adherence to its intended model. Such evaluations are vital for ensuring that programs deliver their intended outcomes and do so efficiently. These evaluations encompass various aspects such as fidelity to the model, housing retention, and cost-benefit analyses.
A well-designed evaluation will often use mixed methods to collect data, including both qualitative measures like interviews and more quantitative approaches like surveys. For example, in a situation where community psychologists Drs. Pruitt and Barile were tasked with evaluating a local service program, they considered these components while employing a mixed-methods design for their evaluation plan.
Their approach could include both interviews with staff and clients as well as monthly surveys to provide a comprehensive view of the program's operation and effectiveness. Effective evaluations provide crucial feedback for program improvements and can inform decision-making for funding sources.
These evaluations are tailored based on several factors including program complexity, length, and cost, which helps to establish the scale and scope required for an effective evaluation process without overburdening resources.