Program Evaluation Pragmatic Methods for Social Work and Human Service Agencies

Before resources are expended on any new human services program, a careful study should be conducted to assess the need for the program. Such a study is called a needs assessment. The purpose of a needs assessment is to learn not only about a target population’s most important needs, but also about the characteristics of the target population. What are its socioeconomic characteristics? What kinds of needs are most pervasive in what parts of the community, and in what parts are the unmet needs most problematic? The answers to questions like these will guide the planning of what services to offer, where to locate them, and how to maximize their use by members of the target population.