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