While considerable information is available on evidence-based practice, reports regarding evidence-based practice may conflict or be confusing. The practitioner is often challenged to determine which studies are most credible and relevant and how to compare conflicting or inconclusive results on the same program model from different studies. The following resources and tips suggest strategies for finding and selecting evidence-based research.
Change and Implementation in Practice: Intervention Selection and Design/Adaptation (PDF - 537 KB)
Capacity Building Center for States (2018)
Helps child welfare agency leaders, managers, and teams learn how to select, adapt, or design an appropriate program intervention. The brief discusses the difference between evidence-based practices and evidence-supported interventions and presents a step-by-step process for how to decide which practices to implement.
How Do We Find the Right Fit When Selecting an Evidence-Based Program?
Casey Family Programs (2017)
Presents key questions to ask when selecting an evidence-based program and reviews strategies to use when choosing one that fits.
How to Find the Right Evidence-Based Practice Using EBP Clearinghouses
Tennant (2018)
The University of Texas at Austin, Texas Institute for Child & Family Wellbeing
Explains the purpose of databases of evidence-based programs (EBP) and practices, why they should be used, and how to use them to select evidence-based interventions.
Selecting Evidence-Based Practices
Quinn (2016)
Capacity Building Center for States
Lists resources that can help child welfare professionals when faced with the challenge of selecting the right evidence-based practice. The article defines evidence-based practice, discusses where to find information about evidence-based programs and practices, provides a list of agencies that can help successfully select the right practice, and offers additional resources.
Selecting and Implementing Programs
California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse for Child Welfare
Provides guidance and resources about the common issues for agencies and communities to consider when selecting and implementing evidence-based practices. Tools and implementation examples also are included.
Spotlight on Building Evidence and Using Evidence-Based Practices in Child Welfare
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Children's Bureau (2019)
Children's Bureau Express, 20(6)
Explores how building evidence and using evidence-based practices can help child welfare programs improve services to families. The page offers a list of resources including a message from Associate Commissioner of the Children's Bureau, Jerry Milner, and resources discussing the benefits of evidence-based policies and how they can be identified, assessed, and implemented.
Webinar: Assessing Readiness for Implementation With the Hexagon Tool
Annie E. Casey Foundation (2018)
Presents a webinar explaining an approach to help child welfare professionals assess and select the right evidence-based program. The Hexagon Tool contains program indicators and implementation considerations that can help practitioners think about and rank possible evidence-based programs that may fit.