How should the agency manage pilots of new services or program changes?

• A. Launch full-scale without testing
• B. Pilot in a controlled manner, monitor outcomes, and evaluate before full-scale implementation
• C. Avoid documenting outcomes
• D. Ignore pilot results

Answer: (B)

Testing changes with a small, controlled pilot is essential because it creates a safe environment to observe how a new service or program change works in practice. By piloting, you can set clear metrics for success, monitor outcomes such as safety, quality of service, staff workload, and cost, and identify any unintended negative effects before committing full resources. The process of evaluating the pilot data allows you to decide if the change should be scaled up, adjusted, or halted. This approach protects children and families, supports regulatory and governance expectations, and helps ensure that a rollout is evidence-based and efficient. Launching without testing introduces avoidable risks; skipping documentation of outcomes prevents learning and accountability; and ignoring pilot results wastes effort and can lead to costly, disruptive implementations.