Return on Investment. The Evaluation of Costs and Benefits of Evidence-Based Programs

Abstract

Better quality data on costs and benefits of competing investment options in children's services is becoming available. In this paper, we describe the translation of one model developed for Washington State translated for use in the UK. The paper describes the approach and method used to develop the economic model, and adapt it for use in another country. Results from the United States are compared with those from the United Kingdom. The opportunity to apply these methods to improve child outcomes at reduced cost to the taxpayer is explored. The limitations and need for future development of the methods are outlined.