Needs Assessment
Needs assessments begin with a careful determination of client information needs and then employ a mixture of qualitative and quantitative methods designed to answer key questions. Depending on the project, needs assessments typically involve a combination of document content analyses, secondary analyses of most critical existing data, interviews with experts and key stakeholders, surveys using the latest web-based technologies, as well as reviews of current, relevant research and practice literature. PolicyWorks, Ltd. has conducted statewide needs assessments in the areas of substance abuse and violence prevention, school safety, school suspension and expulsion policies, school attendance policies, crime and safety issues affecting older Virginians, and child welfare, including adoption, post-adoption, and independent living services.