Cost Evaluation Toolkit Modules Now Available

JBA has released the first two modules of a Cost Evaluation Toolkit developed on behalf of the Children’s Bureau, Administration for Children and Families, as part of the Evaluation Technical Assistance for Title IV-E Waiver Demonstrations project.

Module A, Program-Level Cost Analysis, and Module B, Case-Level Cost Analysis, are each divided into steps and include an appendix with worksheets and spreadsheets, resources, a glossary, and frequently asked questions. The toolkit will help users to—

• Consider the strengths and weaknesses of each type of cost analysis in relation to the need for cost information
• Understand options for conducting each type of cost analysis with different levels of resources
• Plan the cost evaluation
• Collect data on labor and other cost categories
• Analyze costs within the limitations of the selected type of cost analysis
• Synthesize and report analysis findings

Cost evaluation is a way of understanding how resources are used. For child welfare stakeholders, it can provide information about the value of resources used to deliver services along the continuum of child welfare programs, from prevention to permanency.

The Children’s Bureau requires jurisdictions with a title IV-E waiver to conduct evaluations of their demonstrations, including a cost evaluation, using an independent third-party evaluator. The toolkit will guide evaluators and program and financial staff in conducting a cost evaluation that meets the waiver requirements.