Evaluation of the National Child Benefit Initiative: Synthesis Report - February 2005

Annex Two: NCB Initiative Logic Model

Exhibit 14 presents the structure of the NCB in the form of a logic model. The logic model provides a summary of the important elements of the initiative:

Activities — actions taken on behalf of the program;.
Outputs — things created as a result of the activities;.
Impacts and Effects — outcomes which happen as a result of outputs; and
Objectives — goals of the Agreement.

Exhibit 14

Further, the model displays the logical links between these elements.

This detail was the starting point for the development of a research design which probes the existence and substance of each element of the model and of the linkages between elements.

A number of themes are significant for the evaluation:

A large amount of flexibility is built into the delivery of the NCB programs. Those delivering NCB programs are encouraged to adjust the initiatives to meet local needs and conditions;
The NCB is a reflection of a new federal/provincial/territorial initiative that is expected to lead to less overlap and duplication among government programs and services;
There is a shift of support to all low-income families, outside of the social assistance system; and
The NCB programs are expected to encourage parental participation in the workforce, in turn improving the financial positions of families in society.

Provincial and territorial reinvestments being made as a result of NCB funding include Child Benefit and Earned Income Supplements programs, Child Care/Day Care programs, Supplementary Health Benefit programs, and Early Childhood Services.

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