Evaluating outcomes is critical to program growth and improvement. Increasingly, agency administrators are required to provide evidence that their services make a difference for the children, families, and communities they serve. The use of logic models can help administrators show the connectivity between needs, interventions, and outcomes. The following resources help practitioners become familiar with logic models, explain how to develop a logic model, and show how to plan a program evaluation.
Developing a Logic Model or Theory of Change
University of Kansas Center for Community Health and Development, Community Tool Box (2019)
Provides an overview of logic models, including when they can be used, steps for how to create them, what makes a logic model effective, and a discussion of the benefits and limitations of logic modeling.
FRIENDS Online Learning Center
Offers continuing education and professional development opportunities for community-based child abuse prevention programs. The Learning Center's topic list includes logic models; data management; and suggestions for maximizing financial resources for managers, frontline workers, and other child welfare professionals. This resource requires a free account to log in.
How to Create a Logic Model
Pell Institute for the Study of Opportunity in Higher Education (2020)
Reviews key steps for putting together a logic model; strategically displaying a logic model; and defining resources, assets, and inputs.
Logic Models
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (2018)
Describes logic models and links to the CDC Program Evaluation Framework as well as an additional resource on developing and using a logic model in evaluation.
Logic Models: Getting Them Right and Using Them Well [Webinar]
Institute of Education Sciences (2016)
Offers a webinar that describes how to create a logic model while avoiding common mistakes and how to effectively integrate a logic model into a funding proposal.
Tribal TANF—Child Welfare Coordination: Theory of Change and Logic Models (PDF - 1,997 KB)
Ahonen, Geary, & Keene (2019)
James Bell Associates, Inc.
Provides guidance for Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Child Welfare Coordination grantees on the development of a theory of change and a logic model that emphasizes measurability of program outputs and outcomes.
Using Logic Models for Program Planning and Evaluation
Robinson (2018)
Creative Research Solutions
Summarizes what logic models are and describes why and how to use logic models during program planning and evaluation. The resource also provides specific tips and tools for creating a logic model.