Assessment is embedded in all ATCGRN Resource Network activities and conducted on an ongoing basis. In January 2006, Genetic Alliance retained an outside evaluator, Abt Associates, as a result of a competitive bidding process. Abt Associates produces quarterly reports that are reviewed by all members of the project. Since the project activities in Year 1 focus on setting up the project infrastructure and developing products, the evaluation will primarily be a process evaluation. CDC's "Health Protection Goals" will be used to form the basis of an outcomes evaluation in the following years of the project.

Another important purpose of the evaluation is to assess the extent to which the participatory approach was used and resulted in the active participation of both families and professionals. Finally, the evaluation will provide ongoing feedback to Genetic Alliance to improve project implementation and management.