Abstract
M.A. (Social Work)
In terms of recent changes in Government policy, the posts of social
workers are currently being subsidised on the basis of the effectiveness
of the service programmes conducted by welfare organisations.
Consequently, programme evaluation has lately become the subject of
increasing attention.
An increased sense of responsibility and an awareness of a need for
greater efficiency and cost effectiveness is emerging. This suggests
a need for a scientifically based evaluation process i.e. programme
evaluation with a view to improving existing programmes or developing
new programmes.
However uncertainty prevails in welfare organisations with regard to
the nature and content of programmes and consequently where and when
programme evaluation should be applied.
In order to verify this impression, questionnaires were mailed to welfare
organisations in Johannesburg who are members of the Family care
Liason Committee.
A sampling group of five directors, seven supervisors and ten social
workers, based on nonprobability quota sampling, were identified.
A response of three directors, four supervisors and seven social
workers were received and after the results were analysed a verification
of the impression, that uncertainty prevails in welfare
organisations with regard to programme evaluation, could be noted.
Programme evaluation would therefore be less likely utilised in social
work as a method and model in rendering services unless the
uncertainty is minimised and an atmosphere is created in which social
workers will want to apply programme evaluation.