Use of focus groups as a tool for evaluating programs for children and families

Focus groups are an effective method for examining stakeholder perceptions of mental health programs for children and their families. This article presents ideas about how to use focus groups and discusses the advantages and challenges of using focus groups to evaluate programs that provide services for children. Focus groups can be implemented to evaluate many aspects of programs, including assessing stakeholder needs and examining their views of program benefits and areas for improvement. The growing emphasis on including consumer perceptions in mental health program development and evaluation will no doubt go along with the increased use of focus groups in years to come.