Evidence-Based Practice Initiative

The Evidence-Based Practice Initiative is based on the new "revolution" in behavioral health care.  It builds on the beliefs that

• Children and families should receive care that meets their needs and
• Behavioral health care services are based on the best scientific knowledge available.

The science around "what works" for children with emotional and behavioral disorders is growing rapidly.  However, there is a significant gap between "what we know works" for children with certain conditions and "what we actually practice".  Increasingly, we know more about the challenges that fuel this gap as well as the strategies that States and communities have devised to overcome this gap. In this initiative, we highlight interventions that work and strategies to implement evidence-based practices in systems of care.  We also present the diverse perspectives on evidence-based practices from families, leaders of ethnic and racially diverse communities, providers, researchers, and policy makers.

Learn About Evidence-Based Practices From:

• Topical Conference Calls
• Data Matters: An Evaluation Newsletter
• Conference Proceedings
• Fact Sheets
• Training Institutes Sessions

Topical Conference Calls

• "Evidence-based Practices in Systems of Care" features an overview of effective practices  (Date: TBD)
• "State and Local Strategies for Implementation of Evidence-based Practices" highlights strategies of 3 states   (Date: TBD)

Data Matters

•  Data Matters Issue #6, Spring/Summer 2003, "To Be or Not To Be Evidence-Based".

• Evidence-based Practices in Children's Mental Health:  Building Capacities for Implementation and Research provided a forum for 36 State Children's Mental Health Directors, representatives from federal agencies and national advocacy organizations, family leaders, funders, policy makers, researchers and leaders from culturally diverse communities to discuss opportunities, challenges and strategies related to implementation of evidence-based practices.  (August, 2003)

Fact Sheets

• Fact Sheets on Implementing Evidence-based Practices are a set of information briefs on (1) selected evidence-based practices for children with complex needs and (2) current statewide and local strategies on "how to" disseminate, implement and evaluate evidence-based practices.  (Under development)

Training Institutes Sessions

(Content coming soon)