Objective 1: Describe the three basic criteria used in evaluation of public policy--Adequacy, Equity, and Efficiency--as they relate to analyzing policy development and effectiveness. Modern social welfare policies and programs are designed to meet three criteria: adequacy, equity, and efficiency. How well a policy meets, or does not meet, these criteria is instrumental in analyzing the effectiveness of the overall policy. Knowledge of these characteristics and recognizing them within policy formation are necessary for understanding the upcoming course material as we examine policy formation, implementation, and revision.

• Explore a public policy that is implemented in your area which is probation and parole of interest and provide a link with information on that policy. Perhaps it is related to the population that you want to work with. Perhaps it is a specific program in your area that affects you or your future clients.
  • Provide a summary of the public policy, including why it was developed and the outcomes it hopes to achieve, and analyze it based on the three criteria of adequacy, equity, and efficiency.
  • What improvements would you suggest if the policy currently does not meet these criteria?