EFFICIENCY EVALUATION OF COMMUNITY-BASED YOUTH SERVICES IN VIRGINIA

This study investigates the efficiency of community-based youth servic es in the Commonwealth of Virginia using data envelopment analysis (DE A). Efficiency was calculated based on resources available, the demand of services, and the service units produced. Results demonstrated the extent of inefficiency in community-based youth programs and how much efficiency can be improved relative to comparison with peer groups. T he differences between large and small communities, urban and rural co mmunities, and rich and poor communities were analyzed. There was no s ignificant difference between each type for all three categories.