Using Single-Case Evaluation Procedures in a Family and Children's Service Agency

A training and evaluation program is presented in which experienced practitioners in a family service agency were trained in the use of single-case evaluation techniques. Methods of training and six of the selected evaluation procedures are described: Target Problem Measure, Global Ratings of Improvement or Deterioration, Goal Attainment Scale, Interrupted Time-Series Design, Annotated Record, and Testing of Treatment-Outcome Hypotheses. Preliminary findings of social workers' and clients' outcome ratings and their implications for an empirically-oriented social work practice are discussed.