November 2003

Evaluation guide judged best

The Premier’s Drug Prevention Council (PDPC) has received the Australasian Evaluation Society’s Evaluation Development Award for its Guide to Evaluating Drug Prevention Projects in Victoria.

This annual award recognises leadership or innovation in the practice or use of evaluation in either the public or private sector.

The Guide to Evaluating Drug Prevention Projects in Victoria helps program managers develop, manage and evaluate drug prevention programs.

It takes a logical approach to improving the internal consistency and validity of individual program designs and reinforces the importance of program evaluation in relation to both intended outcomes and government policy objectives.

The guide can be applied to programs with varying target groups including individuals, families and communities so community-based groups with limited technical support can use it effectively.

The Guide to Evaluating Drug Prevention Projects in Victoria has already aided the development of several programs and facilitated engagement with funding bodies on program requirements and delivery.

It has also enhanced the Premier’s Drug Prevention Council’s ability to improve its support of external agencies.

The Premier’s Drug Prevention Council is funded by the Department of Human Services.

It shared the award with consultant group Bearing Point.

• For more information contact Premier’s Drug Prevention Council Project Officer Andrew Dare on 9637 5663 or email andrew.dare@dhs.vic.gov.au.