Increasingly, practitioners and researchers are tackling what may be the most difficult aspect of evidence-based practice–implementation. Having identified an evidence-based program to replicate, practitioners must determine how to implement the program effectively and in a way that is compatible with available resources, current workforce capacity, and organizational and community cultures.
The following tips and resources suggest strategies for addressing the many challenges of implementation and carrying out a successful replication.
A Blueprint for Embedding Evidence-Based Practices in Child Welfare
The Annie E. Casey Foundation (2018)
Presents a process for using evidence-based practices in child welfare. The guide offers information on assessing and selecting interventions, establishing and sustaining implementation teams, developing an implementation structure, and supporting data use to ensure continuous quality improvement.
The Development, Implementation, and Assessment Approach
Permanency Innovations Initiative Training & Technical Assistance Project (2016)
Outlines a systematic approach to the use of evidence-based practices in child welfare settings. The Development, Implementation, and Assessment Approach delivers best practices in implementation science and helps child welfare organizations develop or adapt evidence-based programs and services.
Examining Strategies to Improve the Use of Research Evidence in Child Welfare
American Youth Policy Forum (2015)
Summarizes a forum convened to explore the ways in which child welfare agencies have integrated research-based programs into daily agency culture and service delivery.
Funding Effective Implementation of Evidence-Based Programs in Child Welfare
Annie E. Casey Foundation (2017)
Shares strategies to help child welfare agencies fund and sustain evidence-based programs. The strategies are presented in the context of a framework that helps professionals to consider cost, funding, partnerships, and allocation of resources when implementing evidence-based interventions.
How Have Agencies Moved From Evidence to Action? An Exploration of Evidence-Based Practice Implementation to Support Preparation for Family First [Webinar]
Casey Family Programs (2018)
Offers two webinars that detail how child welfare agencies have implemented and spread evidence-based interventions. The webinars discuss key considerations, lessons learned, intervention selection, and more.
Implementation Oversight for Evidence-Based Programs: A Policymaker's Guide to Effective Program Delivery
Pew Charitable Trusts (2016)
Focuses on how to implement evidence-based programs, why organizations struggle with implementation, how to support effective program implementation, and more.
Implementing Evidence-Based Child Welfare: The New York City Experience (PDF - 1,587 KB)
Clara, Garcia, & Metz (2017)
Casey Family Programs
Describes an effort in New York City to implement 11 evidence-based and evidence-informed practices and integrate them into child welfare services. The results showcase how to successfully blend evidence-based models into practice.
Selecting and Implementing Evidence-Based Practices: A Guide for Child and Family Serving Systems (PDF - 4,639 KB)
Walsh, Reutz, & Williams (2015)
Offers a guide for child welfare systems on how to select evidence-based practices, how to examine programs already in use, how to make decisions about the right programs to add, and how to plan for implementation.
Towards Creating Synergy Among Policy, Procedures, and Implementation of Evidence-Based Models in Child Welfare Systems: Two Case Examples (PDF - 76 KB)
Chamberlain (2017)
Clinical Child and Family Psychology, 20(1)
Describes two child welfare case studies in which child welfare system leaders worked with evaluators and model developers to implement evidence-based practices and integrate research-based parenting skills into routine services provided to families.
Use of Research Evidence and Implementation of Evidence-Based Practices in Youth Serving Systems (PDF - 329 KB)
Palinkas, Saldana, Chou, & Chamberlain (2017)
Child and Youth Services Review, 83
Explores whether use of research evidence in child welfare organizations increases the likelihood of implementation and sustainment of evidence-based practices.
Using Evidence in Child Welfare (PDF - 272 KB)
Lester (2017)
Social Innovation Research Center
Provides information on how to select an appropriate evidence-based program in child welfare, how evidence-based programs can be implemented effectively, and how existing evidence-based programs can be improved.
The What, When, and Why of Implementation Frameworks for Evidence-Based Practices in Child Welfare and Child Mental Health Service Systems (PDF - 117 KB)
Hanson, Self-Brown, Rostad, & Jackson (2016)
Child Abuse and Neglect, 53
Provides an overview of implementation frameworks for child welfare practice and offers implementation recommendations for child welfare professionals and agencies serving children and families.