Evidence-Based Practices in Child Welfare
Evidence-based practices (EBPs) in the realm of child welfare seek to prevent a problem before it occurs or lessen its possible effects (Goldman et al., 2003). All EBPs should be culturally competent; they need to consider the cultural perspectives of ethnic minority populations, who are at a high risk of developing psychosocial problems compared to other populations (Jackson, 2009). There are several EBPs currently in use in child abuse and neglect cases. This essay examines the advantages and disadvantages of the specific EBPs.
Advantages of Specific EBPs
One of the benefits of using the specific EBPs is that they are based on empirical evidence – reviews of multiple, rigorous studies; thus, they are likely to improve client outcomes. The interventions can be applied to various settings – trauma, mental health, neglect, physical and sexual abuse, and substance use, among others. As such, professionals from different fields are likely to find a suitable intervention for their clients. Further, the EBPs are multifaceted; they use different approaches and levels to address a broad scope of problems. They also target a broad audience – children, youth, parents, and families. …show more content…
Moreover, the EBPs make the professionals better-informed practitioners. Most of the programs have corresponding guidelines and manuals to assist with the implementation of specific models. For instance, the California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse for Child Welfare provides a guide for selection and implementation of EBPs. The guidelines makes it easier for implementers to execute the strategies in the child welfare context. Furthermore, the interventions point to the fact that it is more efficient to use limited resources on what is already proven to work rather than what people think is likely to
Evidence-based practices (EBPs) in the realm of child welfare seek to prevent a problem before it occurs or lessen its possible effects (Goldman et al., 2003). All EBPs should be culturally competent; they need to consider the cultural perspectives of ethnic minority populations, who are at a high risk of developing psychosocial problems compared to other populations (Jackson, 2009). There are several EBPs currently in use in child abuse and neglect cases. This essay examines the advantages and disadvantages of the specific EBPs.
Advantages of Specific EBPs
One of the benefits of using the specific EBPs is that they are based on empirical evidence – reviews of multiple, rigorous studies; thus, they are likely to improve client outcomes. The interventions can be applied to various settings – trauma, mental health, neglect, physical and sexual abuse, and substance use, among others. As such, professionals from different fields are likely to find a suitable intervention for their clients. Further, the EBPs are multifaceted; they use different approaches and levels to address a broad scope of problems. They also target a broad audience – children, youth, parents, and families. …show more content…
Moreover, the EBPs make the professionals better-informed practitioners. Most of the programs have corresponding guidelines and manuals to assist with the implementation of specific models. For instance, the California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse for Child Welfare provides a guide for selection and implementation of EBPs. The guidelines makes it easier for implementers to execute the strategies in the child welfare context. Furthermore, the interventions point to the fact that it is more efficient to use limited resources on what is already proven to work rather than what people think is likely to