I heard that follow-up is very important for evaluation, especially for the services for offenders. I wonder if you may elaborate more for me?

You are welcome.

Thanks a lot!

Outcome evaluations involve quantitative research aimed at assessing the impact of the program on long-term treatment outcomes. Accordingly, follow-up data (e.g., drug relapse, recidivism, employment status) are the heart of outcome evaluation. Follow-up data can be collected from criminal justice records and face-to-face interviews with individuals who participated in certain programs. Studies that use agency records are less expensive than locating participants and conducting follow-up interviews. Outcome evaluations can include cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit information that is important to policymakers. Because outcome research usually involves a relatively large investment of time and money, as well as the cooperation of a variety of people and agencies, it must be carefully planned. A research design may be very simple and easy to implement, or it may be more complex. In the case of more complex studies, it is usually advisable to enlist the assistance of an experienced researcher.