[Evaluation of child guidance counseling: status of research and references for future research]

The evaluation of child guidance is placed in the context of quality control with emphasis on the significance of evaluation under field as opposed to laboratory conditions as well as the advantages of experimental or quasi-experimental field research over catamnestic studies. Up until now only three experimental evaluation studies have been carried out in the field of child guidance under natural conditions. These studies are first described in terms of their methods and results and then placed in a larger context on this basis. Proceedings from these studies based on methodological considerations and empirical evidence, comments and recommendations will be made concerning methodologically satisfactory and practically significant future evaluation research. They emphasize in particular the different evaluation strategies as well as various aspects of validity.