We Create Meaningful Change

ChildFund invests in building the capacity of people to thrive wherever they live. But ensuring that we are strong stewards of our supporters’ investments requires that our work is documented and verifiable.

Measurement and Evaluation

ChildFund is continually establishing and refining tools and procedures for measuring and reporting on progress toward our goals — including baseline and follow-up surveys of children and youth with whom we work. In 2012, we are conducting the first mid-term program evaluations in selected areas of three countries to assess progress to date toward our goals.

These evaluations will include both quantitative assessments of results and qualitative reflections from children and youth who participate in our programs. We expect that the information we gather will enable ChildFund to better learn from, be accountable for and demonstrate the results of our work.

ChildFund is continually establishing and refining tools and procedures for measuring and reporting on progress toward our goals.

Child Status Index

ChildFund’s steps in this direction include the adaptation and pilot-testing of evidence-based tools. One such monitoring tool, the Child Status Index (CSI), was created by MEASURE Evaluation with support from the U.S. Agency for International Development. The CSI measures progress on 12 aspects of child well-being, including food security, nutritional status, shelter, care, protection, health, psychosocial (social behavior and emotional health), education and performance in school or work. Information is gathered through both observations and interviews.

ChildFund pilot-tested the original CSI tool and identified some gaps in how the evaluation addresses the particular challenges faced by the children and youth we serve. Those content gaps have been filled in the second generation of this tool, which is undergoing another pilot test in 2012.

Needs Assessment

Data gathered through CSI can help ChildFund’s community partners assess the overall needs of children in a community, or identify particular children or groups of children needing specific interventions.

Balancing our wealth of anecdotal evidence with measurable results in our planning will ensure that our programs are truly grounded in children’s needs and in what works to help them reach their potential.