Planning and Evaluating Human Services Programs

About the Book

This book will guide the human services practitioner to effectively engage in the four phases of the process of program planning and evaluation:

• Clarififi cation: Identify the target population for a program, identify their priority needs, and place those needs into a relevant context.

• Design: Determine the program in terms of purpose, goals, components, personnel, and budget.

• Implementation: Monitor the manner in which the program is being implemented and make necessary adjustments.

• Evaluation: Make evaluative judgments about who was provided the program, how the program was implemented, and what benefifi ts accrued to program participants.

About the Author

Dr. Charles A. Maher has over 35 years of experience, worldwide, in teaching, supervision, research, and professional practice in psychology, human performance, and program planning and evaluation. His work and contributions in human services span many and diverse areas. These areas include: special education and general education programs in public schools and related educational agencies; mental health centers and social services delivery systems; corporate training and leadership development entities; military units; and sport and performance psychology at professional and collegiate levels.

Dr. Maher is Professor Emeritus of Psychology, Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology, Rutgers University. In this university context, he has served as Chair of the Department of Applied Psychology and Director of the Doctoral Program in School Psychology. In addition, Dr. Maher has been affifi liated with the Rutgers Center of Alcohol Studies.

Before embarking on his academic career, Dr. Maher was a public school teacher of students with disabilities, a director of special services, an assistant superintendent for research, planning, and evaluation as well as a basketball and baseball coach in high school and college.

Dr. Maher is a licensed psychologist and a fellow of a range of psychological societies, among other certififi cations and diplomates. He has authored and edited a range of books and has published many articles in refereed scientififi c and professional journals. Dr. Maher continues to be actively engaged in the professional practice of psychology in sport, education, and business.