Summary
This discussion paper examines the evolution and practice of evaluating prevention in various countries and some of the challenging questions raised such as: Why do we evaluate? How do we ensure that evaluation results translate into or inform policy or program decisions? This paper demonstrates that despite important reports published in recent years synthesizing the knowledge base on prevention, evaluation findings are rarely translated into public policy decisions. Some of the reasons for this gap relate to methodological issues, others to timing, and yet others to practical understanding. Furthermore, evaluation issues become increasingly complex when approached from an international perspective.