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Evidence-based programs in children's services: A critical appraisal

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  • Axford, Nick
  • Morpeth, Louise

Abstract

Evidence-based programs (EBPs) are increasingly being implemented in children's services agencies in developed countries. However, this trend is meeting resistance from some researchers, policy makers and practitioners. In this article we appraise the main critiques, focusing on scientific, ideological, cultural, organizational and professional arguments. We contend that some of the resistance stems from misconceptions or an oversimplification of issues, while others represent valid concerns that need to be addressed by proponents of EBPs. We set out implications for the development and evaluation of programs and how they are introduced into service systems, and conclude with broader recommendations for children's services.

Suggested Citation

  • Axford, Nick & Morpeth, Louise, 2013. "Evidence-based programs in children's services: A critical appraisal," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 35(2), pages 268-277.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:35:y:2013:i:2:p:268-277
    DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2012.10.017
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Cash, Scottye J. & Ingram, Stephanie D. & Biben, Denise S. & McKeever, Shann J. & Thompson, Ronald W. & Ferrell, Jared Z., 2012. "Moving forward without looking back: Performance management systems as real-time evidence-based practice tools," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 34(4), pages 655-659.
    2. Axford, Nick & Lehtonen, Minna & Kaoukji, Dwan & Tobin, Kate & Berry, Vashti, 2012. "Engaging parents in parenting programs: Lessons from research and practice," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 34(10), pages 2061-2071.
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    4. Gorman, D. M., 2002. "Defining and operationalizing `research-based' prevention: a critique (with case studies) of the US Department of Education's Safe, Disciplined and Drug-Free Schools Exemplary Programs," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 25(3), pages 295-302, August.
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    2. Garcia, Antonio R. & Circo, Elizabeth & DeNard, Christina & Hernandez, Natalie, 2015. "Barriers and facilitators to delivering effective mental health practice strategies for youth and families served by the child welfare system," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 52(C), pages 110-122.
    3. Rogers-Brown, Jessica S. & Self-Brown, Shannon & Romano, Elisa & Weeks, Erin & Thompson, William W. & Whitaker, Daniel J., 2020. "Behavior change across implementations of the SafeCare model in real world settings," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 117(C).
    4. Michele Cascardi & Cathy Brown & Svetlana Shpiegel & Ariel Alvarez, 2015. "Where Have We Been and Where Are We Going? A Conceptual Framework for Child Advocacy," SAGE Open, , vol. 5(1), pages 21582440155, March.
    5. Brady, Bernadine & Canavan, John & Redmond, Susan, 2016. "Bridging the gap: Using Veerman and Van Yperen’s (2007) framework to conceptualise and develop evidence informed practice in an Irish youth work organisation," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 55(C), pages 128-133.
    6. Lachance, Lisa & Watson, Crystal & Blais, Daniel & Ungar, Michael & Healey, Gwen & Salaffie, Moriah & Sundar, Purnima & Kelly, Laura & Lagace, Marie Claude, 2019. "Strengthening child and youth programs: A look at inter-organizational mentoring strategies," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 76(C), pages 1-1.
    7. Veerman, Jan W. & De Meyer, Ronald E., 2015. "Consistency of outcomes of home-based family treatment in The Netherlands as an indicator of effectiveness," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 59(C), pages 113-119.
    8. Stroobants, Tim & Vanderfaeillie, Johan & Andries, Caroline & Van Holen, Frank, 2016. "Youth care workers' perspectives on and adoption of evidence-based practice," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 71(C), pages 299-307.

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