To implement evidence-based practice, practitioners must first identify practices and programs that have been tested and shown effective. A targeted review of relevant literature can lead to determining whether practices with a research foundation have been documented and published.

Ask a specific question

Carefully forming a question helps to focus a literature search on practices intending to achieve particular outcomes. Framing the right question can be difficult; often the first attempt is too broad.

Effective questions will point to a specific problem or issue and include criteria that can be used to measure successful practice.

Examples:

  • What practices have been demonstrated to reduce incidence of maltreatment among young, single mothers?
  • What approaches have improved educational outcomes for older youth in out-of-home care?

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Gather evidence

Once the question has been formulated, Child Welfare Information Gateway offers a number of resources on promising practices, including:

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