By examining the role of evidence in social policymaking and the extent of its influence, Evidence and Evaluation in Social Policy delves deeply into one of the central questions of the field for the last 20 years. * Chronicles the trend towards evidence-based policy over the last decade * Assesses the ways in which scarce resources can best be used for the best care, particularly in times of austerity * Describes methodological innovation, the ways in which researchers and politicians are working together effectively, and suggestions for future improvement * Covers topics such as the role of randomized controlled trials in shaping public policy; the pitfalls of evidence-based policy as a prescriptive ideal; the challenges of measuring public support for policy interventions; and the benefits of engaging local government decision-makers with evaluation research