The Rhode Island Justice Commission (RIJC) believes that evaluations and/or need’s assessments are important tools to improve program and project quality. Evaluations can help determine the effectiveness of programs, document that objectives have been met; provide information about service delivery;  enable programs to make necessary changes to improve effectiveness and to identify “model programs” to be showcased, publicized and offered for replication. Needs assessments provide decision-makers valuable insights into the gaps that exist in the existing level of service delivery and with objective information in order to facilitate sound funding decisions.

Normally, programs considered for evaluation have a several-year funding history and are recommended by RIJC staff, with input from various advisory committees or sub grantee agencies. Evaluation contractors are hired through a Request for Proposal (RFP) process.  Programs being evaluated are consulted through every step of the process, whether it be drafting the initial RFP or proofing the final report.  An agency may benefit from an independent evaluation of their project in that it may help them to leverage funding from other sources.

		D.A.R.E. Training Program Evaluation, May 2000, PDF file
		Needs Assessment of Forensic  Laboratory Services in the State of RI, May 2000, PDF file
		RI Victims' Rights Needs Assessment, June 2001, PDF file

		Final Report of the RI Justice Commission Subcommittee on Statewide Forensic Services, June 2002, PDF file
		Youth Gangs in RI - Perception of Youth and Law Enforcement Agencies and Anti-Gang Strategies, August 2002, PDF file
		A Victim Survey on the Effects of a Court-Mandated Batterer Intervention Programs in RI, April 2003, PDF file
		RI Neighborhood Crime Prevention Act - Analysis & Recommendations, March 2003, PDF file
		RI Department of Attorney General: Workload Assessment, 2005, PDF file
		RI Domestic Violence Shelter and Advocacy Services: An Assessment, June 2005, PDF file