Department of Justice Canada
Symbol of the Government of Canada
Skip to content | Skip to institutional links

Common menu bar links

Breadcrumb trail

  1. Home
  2. Programs and Initiatives
  3. Supporting Families

Institutional links


family justice

The Department of Justice Canada works to reduce family violence in Canada. Learn more...

Evaluation of the B.C. Family Maintenance Enforcement Program's Pilot Outreach Project

2004-FCY-4E

Table 3 FMEP Pilot Outreach Project: Evaluation Framework

Project Objectives Evaluation Objectives Questions Measurement Indicators Methodologies
1.0 To implement a Pilot Outreach Project that meets the needs of recipients and payors enrolled in the FMEP who are referred by the FMEP, FJCs and the Family Maintenance Program. 1.1 To determine whether the Pilot Outreach Project has been effectively implemented. 1.1.1 Are there clear objectives and plans, which define the scope and purpose of the project? · Project objectives and planning documents in place. Review of planning documents, Charter, minutes of meetings
1.1.2 Have all components of the outreach project been implemented? · Components are defined and implemented. Key respondent interviews: FMEP, MHR and FJCs
1.1.3 Has the staff position been clearly defined and appropriate criteria been used for selection? · Job description in place. · Document review
1.1.4 Has training been defined and is it perceived as appropriate? · Training is defined and has been implemented. · Document review, key respondent interviews
1.1.5 Are client referral and follow-up forms in place that provide comprehensive information on client type and use? · Referral forms collect comprehensive client data. · Document review
1.1.6 Is criteria for referral from the FJCs and from Enforcement staff identified and consistently followed?

· Referral criteria documented.

· Referrals reflect consistent approach (i.e. to arrears and default).

· Document review

· Key respondent interviews (FMEP)

· FJC survey
1.1.7 Is scheduling and co-ordination between the FMEP and the FJCs appropriate, efficient and well maintained? · Scheduling exists, is understood and is viewed as appropriate.

· Key respondent interviews

· FJC Survey

Table 3 FMEP Pilot Outreach Project: Evaluation Framework (cont’d)

Project Objectives Evaluation Objectives Questions Measurement Indicators Methodologies

2.0 To collect specific payor information (through Payment Conferences) that will:

  • ·  Assist in the development of a Voluntary Payment Arrangement (VPA) (and in the collection of arrears) or
  • ·  Establish the payor's need to vary the maintenance order.

2.1 To determine whether payor information is collected that could establish a payor's ability to pay or assist in the development of a VPA. Payment/asset information could consist of the following:

  • · Location information
  • · Employment information (particularly related to self-employment)
  • · Asset information (property, bank accounts, RRSP account, other assets)

Specific financial information could consist of the following:

  • · Tax returns
  • · Payment stubs
  • · Copy of other earnings (Employment Insurance, pension, disability, Workers' Compensation.)
  • · Property assessment notice
  • · Credit card statement
 2.1.1 What client or asset information is collected through Payment Conferences that is relevant to the development of a VPA or the collection of arrears? (see list 2.1)
  • · Client provides (new) payment and employment information.
  • · Information is transferred into the running record.
  • · Information appears to be new to FMEP records.

Information is used to:

  • · Establish a payor's need to vary the maintenance order.
  • · Develop the terms of the VPA.

· Payment Conference Outcome Assessment
3.0 To collect information about the personal and institutional barriers to payment and supports to payment that may assist the FMEP in the collection of arrears (applies to Payment Conferences & Client Meetings).

  • 3.1 To identify personal and institutional barriers that may act as barriers to payment.

  • 3.2 To identify triggers or program responses that may encourage payment.

  • 3.1.1 What informational or other barriers are experienced by clients that may affect payments?

  • 3.1.2 What triggers and supports to clients facilitate payments?

  • · Data is collected on barriers and responses that affect payments.

  • · Information is incorporated in corporate planning/client response (e.g. client profiles).

  • · Payment Conference Outcome Assessment

  • · Client Meeting Assessment Form

  • · Payor Survey

  • · Key respondent interviews

Table 3 FMEP Pilot Outreach Project: Evaluation Framework (cont’d)

Project Objectives Evaluation Objectives Questions Measurement Indicators Methodologies
4.0 To distribute informational materials and provide education to payors and recipients about the FMEP program and maintenance rights and responsibilities. 4.1 To determine whether education and information on the MEP and payor/recipient rights and responsibilities is provided. 4.1.1 What information is provided to clients?

  • · Clients' information / educational needs are identified.

  • · Project components provide client information through written materials or face-to-face meetings.

  • · Document review

  • · Key respondent interviews (FMEP, MHR)

  • · FJC Survey
4.2 To determine whether clients' needs for information are being met.

  • 4.2.1 What are the information requirements of clients?

  • 4.2.2 What information do clients perceive as relevant and useful?

  • 4.2.3 Are the needs of clients being met?

  • · Clients perceive information as useful.

  • · Family Justice Counsellors and Family Maintenance Workers perceive client needs as being met.

  • · FMEP staff view client needs as met.

  • · Key respondent interviews (FMEP, MHR)

  • · FJC Survey

    · Client Survey

  • · Client Meeting Assessment Form

  • · MHR Recipient Feedback Form

  • · Payor Feedback Form (if Payor meetings held)
5.0 To provide a helpful client-oriented, personal and professional service to clients referred by FJCs, FMEP and FMP staff. 5.1 To determine whether the service is perceived by clients to be helpful, client-oriented, personal and accessible. 5.1.1 Do clients perceive the service as helpful, client-oriented, personal and accessible? · Clients perceive service as being client-oriented, helpful, personal and accessible.

  • · Client Meeting Assessment Form

  • · MHR Feedback Form

  • · Payor Survey

  • · Payor Workshop Survey Form (if payor workshops implemented)

Table 3 FMEP Pilot Outreach Project: Evaluation Framework (cont’d)

Project Objectives Evaluation Objectives Questions Measurement Indicators Methodologies

6.0 To achieve one or more of the following outcomes through the mechanism of Payment Conferences:

  • a) The establishment of a payor's need to vary an order;

  • b) The development of a Voluntary Payment Arrangement;

  • c) An increase in the level and regularity of payments;

  • d) The avoidance of a Default Hearing.

  • 6.1 To determine whether the need to vary an order has been established.

  • 6.2 To determine whether payments have commenced or become more regular as a result of participation in Payment Conferences.

  • 6.3 To determine whether a Default Hearing has been avoided.

  • 6.1.1 Is the payor financially able to meet the terms of the maintenance order?

  • 6.1.2 Have steps to vary an order been undertaken?

  • 6.1.3 Has a Voluntary Payment Arrangement been developed?

  • 6.1.4 Have payments commenced?

  • 6.1.5 Has a Default Hearing been avoided?

  • · Client has attended a Payment Conference.

  • · Payor is perceived to be able to make payments towards arrears.

  • · Client is perceived as more cooperative by Outreach staff.

  • · Client makes steps to vary order (if required).

  • · Client signs payment plan.

  • · Pattern of payment (post Payment Conferences) shows improvements in payment regularity and amount.

  • · Client avoids Default Hearing.

  • · Payment Conference Outcome Assessment

  • · Document review

  • · Payor Survey

  • · Payment Conference Summary Sheet
7.0 To increase awareness and knowledge of the role of the FMEP and basic maintenance / enforcement program policies and procedures among key partners in the family justice system. 7.1 To determine whether the Pilot Outreach Project has led to an increased awareness of FMEP policies and processes by those in the family justice system.

  • 7.1.1 Does contact and information lead to increased awareness and understanding of FMEP program policies and processes?

  • 7.1.2 Do Family Justice counsellors, Family Maintenance staff and others find the information relevant and useful to their own work?

 · Family Justice Center staff, Family Maintenance Program staff and others in the family justice system have increased understanding of FMEP program policies and processes.

  • · FJC Survey

  • · Key respondent interviews

Table 3 FMEP Pilot Outreach Project: Evaluation Framework (cont’d)

Project Objectives Evaluation Objectives Questions Measurement Indicators Methodologies
8.0 To increase the comprehensiveness of services provided by the Family Justice Centers. 8.1 Does the direct access to FMEP information by clients increase the comprehensiveness of services offered by the Family Justice Centres and enhance the integration of services?

  • 8.1.1 What is the range of services offered through the Family Justice Centres?

  • 8.1.2 Does the access to FMEP services expand the range of related services available to clients?

  • 8.1.3 Is the information provided by the FMEP perceived as complementary to the mandate of the Family Justice Centres?

 · The FMEP provides specialized services that are perceived as directly relevant to Family Justice Centre clients but are not provided by Family Justice Counsellors.

  • · FJC Survey

  • · Key respondent interviews
9.0 To provide an employment skills development opportunity for FMEP staff. 9.1 Is involvement with the Pilot Outreach Project seen as a developmental opportunity for staff? 9.1.1 Do Project Outreach staff feel that project involvement has increased their skill levels and job satisfaction? · FMEP staff perceive skill levels and job satisfaction to have increased. · Key respondent interviews (FMEP)
Date Modified: 2012-08-03

Top of Page
Important Notices