First published in 1997. A well-planned, methodically sound needs assessment can and should be a powerful guiding force for change. As a type of applied social research, needs assessment is meant to foster program development and policy-making. Needs assessments can be used as information-gathering tools by a wide range of organizations, agencies, and social scientists at local, state, regional, and national levels, and can be conducted under a variety of arrangements. This book provides a comprehensive guide to the needs assessment process, from conceptualization through implementation and dissemination of findings.