What is the main goal of program evaluation in social work?

The main goal of program evaluation in social work is to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of a program or intervention. This involves systematically collecting and analyzing information about the program's processes, outcomes, and impacts to determine whether it is meeting its goals and serving the needs of the target population optimally.

By focusing on effectiveness, program evaluation seeks to understand how well the intervention achieves its intended outcomes, such as improvements in client wellbeing or social change. Efficiency concerns the optimal use of resources, which means evaluating whether the outcomes justify the costs involved in delivering the program. This comprehensive assessment allows social workers and program managers to make informed decisions about resource allocation, program modifications, and potential scaling or replication.

While measuring client satisfaction and assessing the impact of social policies are important aspects of social work, they serve different purposes and do not encompass the primary focus of program evaluation. Evaluating the qualifications of social workers pertains more to professional standards and training rather than directly assessing the effectiveness of specific programs or interventions.