Social Impact Bonds: Implementation,Evaluation, and Monitoring

Traditional approaches to public policy increasingly fail to resolve social challenges, particularly in the field of criminal justice. High rates of juvenile recidivism, for example, are often linked to inequality in education and persistent, long-term unemployment—factors which, while complex, are nonetheless conducive to preventative strategies.

Social impact bonds (SIBs) are “pay-for-success” programs that attract private-sector, upfront funding for social interventions. If the program achieves agreed targets, taxpayer funds repay the investor. If the program fails to meet agreed targets, investors take the loss.

This innovative form of social finance through public–private partnership has helped spur efficiencies and improvements in the provision and outcomes of criminal justice services. However, the success of a SIB depends on careful implementation, evaluation, and monitoring.     

Formal and Informal Social Participation of Public,Non-Profit,and Private Employees

Although existing research has focused on the link between employee sector and formal volunteering, no differentiation is made between formal and informal social participation. This study compares the formal and informal social participation of public-, non-profit-, and private-sector employees using recent data from two sources. The results indicate that both government and non-profit employees report higher levels of formal and informal social participation, as measured in several ways. Findings provide a more complete understanding of the multifaceted ways in which citizens can get involved, and emphasize the importance of motivational differences.