(b) The department shall be responsible for performing an evaluation of the programs under this chapter. In conjunction with participating research entities, the department shall develop a research design methodology that describes data collection, data validation, and research techniques to be used in conducting the program evaluation, and the extent to which related evaluation research will be incorporated. Focus areas to measure whether outcomes for families and children are improved may relate to all or some of the following:

1. (1) Child well-being.
2. (2) Child protective services.
3. (3) Foster care.
4. (4) Family preservation and self-sufficiency.
5. (5) Parental or child involvement in the justice system.
6. (6) School achievement.
7. (7) Substance abuse.
8. (8) Parental employment.