The Pew Charitable Trusts - State and Consumer Initiatives about Results First

Better Programs, Better Results

This case study focuses on quality assurance monitoring in juvenile justice programs in Washington state—which has led the way in using cutting-edge cost-benefit analysis to guide its budget and policy choices.

Return on Investment

This report, from a Results First partner, offers a user-friendly look at the costs and benefits of evidence-based programs in the following areas: adult and juvenile criminal justice, child welfare, pre-K–12 education, adult and children’s mental health, and substance abuse.

The Dawn of the Evidence-Based Budget

Could this be the coming of age of “evidence-based policy making”?

Guest Blog: 13 States Get on Board for Cutting-Edge Cost-Benefit Analysis

In an era of persistent budget deficits, at least a dozen states are moving to adapt and implement a cutting-edge tool for policy research and analysis, beginning with criminal justice policy and eventually expanding to other areas. States are under increasing pressure to ensure that scarce resources are invested in programs that yield the best results. In addition, many policy makers are looking for information that would allow them to target cuts more strategically, rather than making across-the-board reductions that treat effective and ineffective programs alike.

The Cost-Benefit Imperative

While the states' revenues are beginning to recover, almost all of them expect to have less to spend in 2012 than they had in 2008, before the Great Recession began exacting its toll. Cost/benefit analysis can play a key role in helping government leaders make better decisions on allocating limited tax dollars.

Governing Magazine: The Cost-Benefit Imperative

A group of states is adapting a successful model to target scarce funds for the greatest return on investment.

Fact Sheet: Results First

The choices states make today about how to invest their limited resources will dramatically shape our nation’s future.

Better Results, Lower Costs

This 2012 brief details how Results First, an initiative of the Pew Center on the States and the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation with additional support from the Annie E. Casey Foundation, helped other states implement Washington’s model for use in criminal justice. Over time, this model can be implemented in policy areas such as child welfare, health care, housing, Pre-K-12 education, mental health, public assistance, substance abuse, and teen birth-prevention programs.