Program specification: a precursor to program monitoring and quality improvement. A case study from Boysville of...

As a result of new accreditation standards, diminishing resources, community concern with recidivism, and state agencies and foundations requiring more rigorous evaluations, program accountability is becoming a necessity for social services providers and contractors alike. In the subsequent discussion, Boysville of Michigan's program specification process is described; specifically, the ways in which the process has been useful for monitoring program operations, identifying quality improvement indicators, designing ongoing program evaluations, and developing consensus and continuity with respect to program theory and procedures. In addition, benefits, lessons learned, and implications for services delivery are discussed.