Reunification programs and services should ideally be evaluated to ensure that they are effective in achieving their goals of reunifying families and improving outcomes for children and families. However, the extent to which these programs are evaluated can vary depending on the state or organization providing the services.
In general, many states and organizations that provide reunification services do evaluate their programs to some extent. This may involve tracking key indicators such as the number of families served, the length of time it takes for families to reunify, and the rates of successful reunification. Some states may also conduct more formal evaluations of their programs, using research methods such as randomized controlled trials or quasi-experimental designs to assess the effectiveness of specific program components.
However, the level and rigor of evaluation can vary, and not all reunification programs may be evaluated to the same degree. Some smaller organizations or community-based programs may not have the resources or capacity to conduct formal evaluations, while larger programs or state-run systems may have more robust evaluation processes in place.
Overall, it is important for reunification programs and services to be evaluated to ensure that they are meeting the needs of children and families and achieving their intended outcomes. However, the extent of evaluation may vary depending on the specific program or organization providing the services.