What are Evidence-Based Programs?
Evidence-based programs refers to the quality of the program being offered. To be called Evidence-based, a program has to meet a series of rigorous standards that show it is effective. Research of the program must illustrate that it actually helps children and families meet their treatment goals.
Evidence-based refer to programs that:
- Have a book, manual or other available writings that specify the components of the practice protocol and describe how to administer it
- Have no first-hand basis suggesting risk of harm
- The risks to participants are reasonable in relation to the potential benefits to participants. The benefits of these services outweigh the possible risks
- Have reliable and valid outcome measures
- Are administered consistently and accurately across all those receiving the practice
- Each child/family will receive the same foundational treatment
Evidence-Based Programs
Well-Supported
- Improved outcomes must be based on the results of at least two studies with non-overlapping analytic samples
- The studies are carried out in a usual care or practice setting
- Earned a rating of moderate or high on study design and execution
- At least one of the studies must demonstrate a sustained favorable effect of at least 12 months beyond the end of treatment on at least one target outcome
Supported
- Improved outcomes must be based on the results of at least one study carried out in a usual care or practice setting
- Earned a rating of moderate or high on study design and execution
- Demonstrates a sustained favorable effect of at least six months beyond the end of treatment on at least one target outcome
Promising
- Improved outcomes must be based on the results of at least one study
- Earned a rating of moderate or high on study design and execution
- Demonstrates a favorable effect on at least one target outcome
Virginia’s Family First Evidence-Based Programs
Virginia’s prevention plan includes the following programs from the Title IV-E Prevention Services Clearinghouse. Federal Title IV-E funds may be used for the following evidence-based programs for children at imminent risk of entering foster care and their parents or kin caregivers. To locate evidence-based service program providers in your area please click the following links:
Program |
Program Rating |
Program Area |
| Functional Family Therapy (FFT) | Well-Supported |
|
| Multisystemic Therapy (MST) | Well-Supported |
|
| Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) | Well-Supported |
|
| Brief Strategic Family Therapy (BSFT) | Well-Supported |
|
| Family Check-up (FCU) | Well-Supported |
|
| High Fidelity Wraparound (HFW) | Promising |
|
| Homebuilders (HB) | Well-Supported |
|
| Motivational Interviewing (MI) | Well-Supported |
|
*These websites are not maintained by VDSS. Providers should maintain communication with referral sources of their ability to provide evidence-based services.
Some service providers may need to make changes to the services they offer to ensure that they are evidence-based in order to receive or continue receiving federal funding for serving this population.
Virginia promotes all evidence-based services, from a variety of well-known national clearinghouses and encourages the use of other funding sources for these programs as we seek to expand the selection of evidence-based services for federal funding in our prevention plan in additional phases of implementation.
Why is this Important?
Family First prioritizes expanding and sustaining evidence-based, trauma-informed services that strengthen child safety, support permanency, and improve overall family wellbeing. While many current services show positive results, evidence‑based programs are distinct because they are grounded in research and provide clear frameworks for effective service delivery.
As Family First is implemented, federal funding emphasizes programs proven to improve child and family outcomes and reduce unnecessary foster care placements.
Resources
VDSS has partnered with the Center for Evidence-Based Partnerships in Virginia (CEP-Va) to grow and expand evidence-based program providers. To learn more about each evidence-based program visit CEP-Va’s Resources page.
