Evaluating programmes in social care

This article discusses the evaluation of intervention programmes in the area of Social Care. Particular reference is made to the attempt, by the authors, to evaluate Activity Group Programmes, undertaken by a number of Neighbourhood Youth Projects and other Family and/or Child Care Centres in Ireland. The difficulties and pitfalls involved in evaluative research are identified and discussed, particularly in the context of service provision in Ireland, and recommedations are made for future evaluative studies in this area.