Evidence-Based Programs

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

Virginia’s Family First Evidence-Based Services

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 services for children at imminent risk of entering foster care and their parents or kin caregivers.

Program/Service	Program/Service Rating	Program/Service Area
Functional Family Therapy	Well-Supported	Mental Health Prevention/Treatment Service
Multisystemic Therapy	Well-Supported	Mental Health Prevention/Treatment Service Substance Use Disorder Prevention/Treatment
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy	Well-Supported	Mental Health Prevention/Treatment Service

To locate evidence based service providers in your area please click the following links:

• Functional Family Therapy service providers
• Multisystemic Therapy service providers
• Parent-Child Interaction Therapy clinicians

*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. Providers in Virginia that offer the evidence based services listed above will need to establish contracts with local departments of social services to receive reimbursement for services. The contracts ensure requirements around federal reporting and fidelity monitoring.

Why is this Important?

Family First's strategic priority is to advance the implementation and sustainability of evidence-based, trauma informed services that appropriately and effectively improve child safety, ensure permanency, and promote child and family well-being. While many of the services we offer have positive outcomes, evidence-based programs are distinctly different in that they are based on research studies.

Evidence-based programs have demonstrated positive outcomes, and they provide a framework and structures for service providers in the delivery of their service. As we implement Family First, we know that the driving force of federal funds, is the impact services that are supported by research, will have on increasing child and family wellbeing and reducing unnecessary placement of children into foster care.

Resources/Training Opportunities

As VDSS works to implement Family First in Virginia, and as all of Virginia’s child- and family- serving agencies promote the shift towards evidence based services, we encourage providers to ensure they are providing an array of evidence based services for local communities.

CALL TO ACTION

Virginia Department of Social Services is looking to expand evidence- based services (EBS) that are eligible for title IV-E funding. Partnering with the Center for Evidence Based Partnerships in Virginia (CEPVa), this exciting opportunity will expand the evidence-based service array to meet the needs of Virginia’s families. Funding is now available for training for specific evidence-based services. These models have been reviewed by the Title IV-E Prevention Services Clearinghouse and have been rated as “Well-Supported”. A Request for Applications (RFA) is available for providers to apply to receive training in the following EBS:

• Motivational Interviewing (MI)
• Brief Strategic Family Therapy (BSFT)
• Homebuilders
• Family Check Up

Service providers are encouraged to apply, the RFA can be found here. To review a recording of the Evidence Based Programs Training Funding Information Session that was held on February 4^th, 2022 or access resources from the presentation please click on the links below:

• Recording
• PowerPoint
• EBP One-Pager
• FAQs
• RFA Letter of Support
• CEPVa Needs Assessment and Gaps Analysis

Please contact ebplab@vcu.edu or familyfirst@dss.virginia.gov with any questions.